The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday received the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his palace in Sokoto.
The visit formed part of the party’s consultations with traditional and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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 came about two weeks after the Sultan received the All Progressives Congress, APC, 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari Abubakar. The APC delegation had visited the Sultanate Council on September 14 as part of its consultations ahead of the elections.
The Sultan’s Media Team said Obi and Kwankwaso used Monday’s visit to discuss national issues, formally inform the traditional ruler of their political aspirations and seek his prayers and royal blessings.
In his remarks, the Sultan reiterated his call for peaceful and responsible political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged politicians and their supporters across political parties to respect one another and avoid conduct capable of creating hatred, hostility and unnecessary tension in society.
The Sultan particularly cautioned political actors against abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially trigger violence within communities.
He said politicians had the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to Nigerians and seek the support of the electorate.
However, he urged them to exercise those rights with decorum and within the provisions of the law, while respecting rival candidates, political parties and citizens with differing political views.
The monarch also advised political leaders to place the interests of Nigeria, including its peace and unity, above their individual political differences.
He said political positions were temporary, while the unity, peace and stability of the country remained essential to its continued development.
The Sultan further charged politicians, particularly those seeking elective offices, to lead by example and demonstrate the conduct they expect from their supporters.
He urged them to ensure that campaigns and political engagements did not degenerate into personal attacks, hostility or actions capable of dividing communities.
The Sultan’s position is consistent with his message during the September 14 visit by the APC Presidential Campaign Council, when he urged politicians to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns and cautioned against exploiting national challenges for political purposes.
Speaking during Monday’s visit, Mr Obi expressed appreciation to the Sultan for receiving the delegation and granting them an audience.
He thanked the monarch for his hospitality and described the visit as part of the party’s broader political consultations with traditional and community leaders.
The Sultan was accompanied during the meeting by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof Sambo Wali; Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello; Galadiman Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanchi; Sa’in Kilgori, Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori; Fagacin Sokoto, Usman Shehu Abubakar; and Secretary of the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Saidu Maccido.
The latest engagement comes amid increased political consultations and mobilisation by parties and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
