Sultan, continuing father figure role over 2027, receives Peter Obi, Kwankwaso after Tinubu Campaign Council
*Reiterates demand for peaceful politics
By KEMI KASUMU
The visit, which formed part of the delegation’s political engagements and consultations with traditional and community leaders, came two weeks after the Monday, September 14, 2026 visit of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (APCPCC), led by the Council’s Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, along with the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, his counterparts from Kebbi and Zamfara states, among other members.
In continuation of his commitment to providing himself as a father figure to all Nigerians aspiring to political offices in 2027, without favouritism, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, on Monday, September 28, 2026, received the Presidential Candidate and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, at his palace in Sokoto City, Sokoto State.
According to a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, the NDC flagbearer and his running mate were accompanied to the Sultan’s Palace by the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Dr. Shamsu Haido, among other party faithful.
The visit, which formed part of the delegation’s political engagements and consultations with traditional and community leaders, came two weeks after the Monday, September 14, 2026 visit of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (APCPCC), led by the Council’s Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, along with the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, his counterparts from Kebbi and Zamfara states, among other members.
According to the Sultan Media Team, the politicians seized the visit as an opportunity to discuss matters relating to the country, the forthcoming political activities, formally inform the Sultan of their aspirations to rule the country and seek his royal blessings.
Speaking during the visit, as he did with the first politicians who visited before them, that is, the APC Presidential Campaign Council, the Sultan called on politicians and their supporters to conduct their political activities peacefully and responsibly, while respecting one another and protecting the unity of society.
He stressed that political activities should not become a means of dividing Nigerians or creating hatred, hostility and unnecessary tension among citizens.
His Eminence particularly cautioned politicians and their supporters across political 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.
According to him, politicians have the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to the electorate and seek the support of the people.
He, 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 emphasised 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.
The Sultan’s message comes amid increasing political activities and engagements by politicians and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with traditional institutions continuing to receive political actors from across the political divide.
Earlier, Peter Obi expressed appreciation to the Sultan for receiving the delegation and granting them an audience.
Obi thanked the Sultan for his hospitality and for listening to the delegation, describing the visit as part of their broader political engagement and consultation with traditional and community leaders.
The delegation included Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi’s running mate, and Dr. Shamsu Haido, the party’s governorship candidate in Sokoto State, as well as other members of the delegation.
The Sultan was accompanied during the visit by 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.
