Sultan Calls for Peaceful, Issue-Based Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to shun abusive and destructive rhetoric and use their constitutional rights to promote peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan made the call on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when he received members of the Council of the Wise of the Savanna Centre for Diplomacy and Development (SCDD) at his Abuja residence.
He commended the Council, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for its commitment to democracy, good governance, peaceful political engagement and credible elections.
Sultan Abubakar urged the Council to sustain its engagement with political and other stakeholders across the country, stressing that dialogue, consultation and responsible participation are essential to preserving peace, unity and democratic governance.
He also encouraged Nigerians to make constructive use of their constitutional rights, particularly the Permanent Voter Card (PVC), describing the ballot as a peaceful and legitimate instrument through which citizens can express their will and hold elected leaders accountable.
The Sultan expressed confidence in the calibre and experience of members of the Council of the Wise, saying their wealth of experience and national service could contribute meaningfully to peace, unity and democratic development.
Earlier, Justice Ariwoola congratulated the Sultan on the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne of the Sultanate of Sokoto and prayed for many more years of strength and service to the Ummah, Nigeria and humanity.
The former CJN also commended the Sultan’s leadership and peace-building efforts, particularly his contributions to interfaith harmony, national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Justice Ariwoola appealed to the Sultan to continue lending his voice to peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further called for political parties and candidates to adhere to relevant electoral laws and the code of ethics governing political conduct, while urging them to pursue their aspirations peacefully and place the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria above partisan interests.
In recognition of the Sultan’s contributions to peace-building and national harmony, Justice Ariwoola presented a plaque and a book to him.
Other members of the delegation included SCDD Executive Director, Ambassador Sani S. Bala; Ambassador Abdulazeez DanKano; Mr Bola Abimbola; and Mrs Blessing Atureta-Ogah.
The Sultan received the delegation alongside Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmad Bello, and the Sai’in Kilgori, Dr Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori.
