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 their votes to effect change in the 2027 elections rather than resorting to insults, particularly on social media.
The Sultan emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to remove elected leaders through the ballot box if they are dissatisfied with their performance.
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 of Political Leaders
The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to support political leaders while they remain in office, pray for them, and offer constructive advice whenever they believe their actions or decisions are taking the wrong direction.
According to the Sultan, insults are not an effective way to bring about political change, stressing that citizens should exercise their voting rights when they are dissatisfied with a leader’s performance.
“Insults don’t make things change but go and vote him out because you have that right to vote.”
He further stated that leaders should listen to the concerns of the people and be willing to consider advice when their decisions are questioned.
Sultan Warns Against Inflammatory Statements and Political Violence
The Sultan also cautioned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements that could heighten tensions and trigger violence during the 2027 election season.
He stressed the importance of peace and warned that conflict would not benefit Nigerians or contribute to national development.
The monarch noted that citizens have a responsibility to participate in deciding who leads the country, adding that political leaders cannot impose themselves on the people.
He therefore called for responsible political engagement and encouraged Nigerians to avoid spreading false or harmful information, particularly across social media platforms.
Monarch Raises Concern Over Fake News on Social Media
Reflecting on his previous comments about social media, the Sultan recalled that he had described the platforms 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 maintained that he was not afraid to speak the truth and encouraged others to do the same without fear or favour.
He also welcomed the work of the Council of the Wise and called for greater collaboration among organizations working to promote peace and stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ariwoola Seeks Support for Peaceful and Credible 2027 Elections
Earlier, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, explained that the Council of the Wise was reconstituted by the Savannah Centre in June 2026 to contribute to peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
Ariwoola said the 11-member council had been engaging with stakeholders ahead of the elections and sought the Sultan’s support in encouraging political parties and candidates to conduct campaigns without rancour, hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, or violence.
He urged political parties to comply with their constitutions and codes of conduct while calling on candidates and their supporters to abide by electoral laws and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former CJN particularly appealed to presidential candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and provide practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
Ariwoola added that the council would continue engaging stakeholders across the country as part of its efforts to promote peaceful and credible elections.
Conclusion
The Sultan of Sokoto’s message highlights the importance of peaceful political participation, responsible public discourse, and the use of democratic processes to hold elected leaders accountable ahead of the 2027 elections. His call for constructive criticism and nonviolent engagement comes as stakeholders continue efforts to encourage credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.