The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has disclosed that he received campaign representatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan, however, clarified that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is not involved in partisan politics, stressing that the council remains open to receiving political leaders and delegations from different parties.
Abubakar made this known while speaking at the NSCIA General Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, where he revealed that political groups had begun reaching out to the council as preparations for the 2027 general elections gathered momentum.
According to the Sultan, he had received delegations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was also expected to visit the council.
He explained that the NSCIA would continue to welcome all political delegations without discrimination, adding that each visiting group would receive the same message about the council’s identity, responsibilities and commitment to Islam and national development.
The Sultan stated that he had received President Tinubu’s campaign council and Peter Obi, who visited a week later. He also expressed the expectation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, would visit the council.
“I received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign council and I received Peter Obi a week after. We receive everybody that comes to us. I am sure Atiku will come with Amaechi. We are honoured to have them come and we tell them the same thing. We will tell them who we are, what we stand for and then Inshallah we will try to do the best we can do for Islam and for all of us in this country and beyond,” he said.
Abubakar emphasized that his meetings with political representatives should not be interpreted as an indication of the NSCIA’s involvement in partisan politics, maintaining that the council has no affiliation with any political party.
Sultan Explains Purpose of NSCIA General Assembly
The Sultan further explained that the NSCIA General Assembly was organized to promote unity among Muslims in Nigeria and provide a platform for members to discuss pressing issues affecting the Islamic community.
He urged members of the council to remain united, participate actively in discussions and work towards addressing challenges confronting Muslims and the country at large.
Abubakar also announced plans to make the General Assembly an annual event, noting that regular engagements would strengthen cooperation and encourage Muslims to speak with one voice on issues affecting their community.
Sultan Dismisses Political Interpretation of Prayer Session
The Sultan also dismissed suggestions that the prayer session held on Wednesday during the assembly had political undertones.
He clarified that the prayers were organized to seek divine intervention for Nigeria, particularly in addressing insecurity, promoting peace and encouraging collective efforts towards national development.
According to him, the prayer session was intended for the well-being of all Nigerians and was not connected to any political party or campaign.
“Some are saying the prayers have political elements. We didn’t want to do that political thing. It was a prayer for our country; for the peace and care of our country, for all of us who are involved in making efforts to make peace for this country and the prayer took place successfully, alhamdulillah,” Abubakar stated.
He urged Nigerians, particularly members of the Islamic community, to continue praying for the country while supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability.
Sultan Commends Is-haq Oloyede for Service to Islam and Nigeria
Meanwhile, the Sultan commended the NSCIA Secretary-General and former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his contributions to the council and his service to Nigeria.
Abubakar praised Oloyede for what he described as his selfless service, transparency, dedication and ability to combine his responsibilities at JAMB with his duties at the Islamic council.
The Sultan also referred to the recovery of ₦60 million reportedly swallowed by snakes during Oloyede’s tenure at JAMB, commending him for his efforts and commitment to accountability.
He noted that Oloyede deserved recognition for his contributions to Islam and the country, adding that the council appreciated his leadership and dedication.
“We want to thank him for his service to Islam and to our country. We are very happy with what you’ve done in the General Assembly and we want to publicly acknowledge that, yes, you did what you knew how to do best, and Almighty Allah guided you, and you were able to catch snakes that swallowed ₦60 million,” the Sultan said.
Abubakar prayed for more Nigerians who would demonstrate similar dedication, honesty and commitment to public service, particularly those entrusted with responsibilities in religious and national institutions.
The Sultan’s remarks come as political activities and consultations continue to gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants engaging various stakeholders across the country.