The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on politicians and their supporters to maintain peace in their activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He made the call on Monday when the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, visited him at his palace in Sokoto.
The delegation also included the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsu Haido, and other party members.
The visit was part of the party’s consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the elections.
The Sultan said politicians had the constitutional right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to Nigerians and seek their support.
He, however, urged them to exercise this right responsibly and within the law while respecting people with different political opinions.
He also warned politicians and their supporters against insults, abusive language and inflammatory statements that could increase tension and trigger violence.
The Sultan said political activities should not be allowed to create hatred, division or hostility among Nigerians.
He urged political leaders to put the peace, unity and interests of Nigeria ahead of their political differences, stressing that political offices were temporary but the unity and stability of the country were important to its development.
The monarch further called on politicians, particularly those seeking elective positions, to lead by example and ensure their supporters followed peaceful conduct.
He said campaigns should not turn into personal attacks or activities capable of causing divisions among communities.
The Sultan’s warning came about two weeks after he received members of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari.
The APC delegation visited the Sultan on September 14 and included Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu as well as the governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states.
According to the Sultan’s media team, both political groups used their visits to discuss national issues, inform him of their political plans and seek his royal blessings.
Speaking during Monday’s visit, Obi thanked the Sultan for receiving the delegation and giving them an audience.
He said the visit was part of the NDC’s wider consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders.
Sultan receives Obi, Kwankwaso urges peaceful politics ahead of 2027