By Ambrose Amos
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid rhetoric capable of heightening tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan spoke on Monday when the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, visited him at his palace in Sokoto.
According to a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team, the delegation also included the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsu Haido, and other party members.
The visit formed part of the party’s political consultations with traditional and community leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Sultan, according to the statement, said politicians had the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to voters and seek their support.
He, however, urged them to exercise such rights with decorum, within the provisions of the law, and with respect for candidates and Nigerians holding different political views.
He particularly cautioned politicians and their supporters against abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence in communities.
The Sultan said political activities should not be used to divide Nigerians or create hatred, hostility and unnecessary tension among citizens.
He urged political actors to place the interests, peace and unity of Nigeria above their individual political differences, noting that political positions were temporary while the unity and stability of the country remained essential to its development.
The monarch also charged political leaders, especially those seeking elective offices, to lead by example and demonstrate the conduct expected from their supporters.
He urged them to ensure that campaigns and political engagements did not degenerate into personal attacks or actions capable of creating divisions among communities.
The Sultan’s call came two weeks after he received the 2027 All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari.
The APC delegation, which visited the Sultan on September 14, included Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states, among other members.
The Sultan’s media team said both political delegations used their visits to discuss national issues, formally inform him of their political aspirations and seek his royal blessings.
Speaking during Monday’s visit, Obi expressed appreciation to the Sultan for receiving the delegation and granting them an audience.
He described the visit as part of the party’s broader consultations with traditional and community leaders.
The delegation included Kwankwaso, Haido and other party members.
The Sultan was accompanied by members of the Sultanate Council, including Prof. Sambo Wali, Wazirin Sokoto; Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, Magajin Rafin Sokoto; Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanchi, Galadiman Garin Sokoto; Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, Sa’in Kilgori; Usman Shehu Abubakar, Fagacin Sokoto; and Alhaji Saidu Maccido, Secretary of the Sultanate Council.
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