The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday warned politicians against the use of insults and inflammatory remarks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar warned that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence.
He spoke while receiving the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso in his palace.
Obi and Kwankwaso were accompanied to the Sultan’s palace by the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Shamsu Haido among other party faithful.
A statement signed by the head of the Sultan’s Media Team, Prince Bashir Adefaka, said the monarch stressed that political activities should not become a means of dividing Nigerians or creating hatred, hostility and unnecessary tension among citizens.
The statement reads: “His Eminence, particularly, cautioned politicians and their supporters across parties against the use of abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence within communities.
“Politicians have the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to the electorate and seek the support of the people.”
Abubakar, however, urged them to exercise that right with decorum and within the provisions of the law, while respecting other candidates, political parties and Nigerians who may hold different political opinions.
The Sultan emphasized the need for political actors to place the interests of Nigeria and the peace of the country above their individual political differences.
He noted that political positions are temporary, whereas the unity, peace and stability of the country remain essential to its continued development.
The Sultan also charged political leaders, particularly those seeking elective public offices, to lead by example and demonstrate the kind of conduct they expect from their supporters.
He urged them to ensure that political campaigns and engagements do not degenerate into personal attacks, hostility or actions capable of creating divisions among communities and citizens.
2027: Don’t insult, use inflammatory remarks to cause tension – Sultan of Sokoto to politicians