The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the performance of their political leaders to use the ballot box to effect change in the 2027 general elections rather than resorting to insults, particularly on social media.
The Sultan emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to remove elected leaders through voting if they are dissatisfied with their performance, stressing that political participation remains a key responsibility of the electorate.
He made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the 11-member Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Sultan Calls for Constructive Criticism and Responsible Leadership
Speaking during the meeting, the Sultan advised Nigerians to support political leaders while they remain in office, pray for them and offer constructive criticism whenever they believe such leaders are making wrong decisions.
He stressed that insults do not bring about meaningful political change, encouraging citizens to exercise their voting rights instead.
“Insults don’t make things change but go and vote him out because you have that right to vote.”
The Sultan also urged political leaders to listen to the concerns of citizens and remain responsive to the people they govern.
According to him, Nigerians should be willing to offer guidance when leaders are doing what is right and raise concerns when they believe those leaders are taking the wrong path.
Sultan Warns Against Political Violence and Inflammatory Statements
The traditional ruler cautioned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements that could heighten political tensions and trigger violence.
He emphasized the importance of peace and warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into conflict.
The Sultan noted that war does not benefit anyone and that peace is essential to Nigeria’s development and stability.
He further maintained that Nigerians have a responsibility to participate in deciding who governs them, emphasizing that political leaders cannot impose themselves on the people.
Monarch Raises Concern Over False Information on Social Media
The Sultan also called for responsible political discussions, urging Nigerians to avoid spreading false information and negative content, especially on social media platforms.
He recalled that he had previously referred to social media as a “terrorist organisation” because of the potential harm caused by false stories circulated online.
However, he clarified that his criticism was not directed at legitimate social media engagement but at individuals who deliberately create and distribute false information that they cannot defend.
The Sultan stated that he was not afraid to speak the truth and encouraged Nigerians to do the same without fear or favour.
Sultan Supports Council of the Wise Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Sultan welcomed the activities of the Council of the Wise and encouraged increased collaboration among organizations working to promote peace and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
The council, which was reconstituted by the Savannah Centre in June 2026, is focused on contributing to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
Ariwoola Seeks Sultan’s Support for Peaceful Elections
Earlier, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola explained that the Council of the Wise had been engaging relevant stakeholders across the country in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
He appealed to the Sultan to support efforts to encourage political parties and candidates to conduct campaigns without rancour, hate speech, inflammatory statements or violence.
Ariwoola also urged political parties to adhere to their constitutions and codes of conduct, while calling on candidates and their supporters to comply with electoral laws and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former Chief Justice of Nigeria encouraged presidential candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and provide practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
He added that the council would continue engaging stakeholders nationwide as part of its efforts to promote peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
Conclusion
The Sultan of Sokoto’s message comes amid preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with an emphasis on peaceful political participation, responsible public discourse and the constitutional right of citizens to choose their leaders through the ballot box.
His appeal highlights the importance of constructive criticism, issue-based campaigns and the rejection of inflammatory rhetoric that could threaten peace and democratic processes.