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| Photo Credit: Sultan of Sokoto |
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the performance of their elected leaders to exercise their constitutional right to vote them out in the 2027 general elections rather than resort to insults, especially on social media.
The traditional ruler made the remarks in Abuja when he received the 11-member Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development. The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
As President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Sultan stressed that citizens have the right under the constitution to remove underperforming leaders through the ballot box. He advised Nigerians to support leaders while they remain in office, pray for them, and offer constructive advice when they believe leaders are taking the wrong path.
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“Insults don’t make things change but go and vote him out because you have that right to vote. The President is doing the right thing, pray for him, and if he is doing wrong, draw him back. The President must listen as a leader,” the Sultan said.
He also warned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements, noting that political disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into violence. According to him, war does not benefit anyone, while peace remains essential for national development.
The Sultan emphasised that Nigerians have a responsibility to participate in choosing their leaders and that political office holders cannot impose themselves on the people. He called for responsible political discussions and urged citizens to avoid spreading false or negative information, particularly on social media platforms.
He recalled an earlier description of social media as a “terrorist organisation” because of the harm caused by false stories. He clarified that his concern was directed at those who deliberately create and circulate unverifiable false claims, not at legitimate use of the platforms. The Sultan stated that he was not afraid to speak the truth and encouraged others to do the same without fear or favour.
He welcomed the work of the Council of the Wise and encouraged greater engagement among organisations working to promote peace ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier, Justice Ariwoola explained that the council was reconstituted by the Savannah Centre in June 2026. Its purpose is to contribute to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. The 11-member body has been engaging stakeholders and sought the Sultan’s support in appealing to political parties and candidates to keep their campaigns free from rancour, hate speech, inflammatory statements and violence.
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Ariwoola urged political parties to follow their constitutions and codes of conduct. He also called on candidates and their supporters to comply with electoral laws and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Presidential candidates, in particular, should focus campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and present practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
The former Chief Justice added that the council will continue engaging stakeholders across the country as part of efforts to promote peaceful and credible elections.
This report is based on the public statements made during the meeting. The Sultan’s advice centres on constitutional participation, constructive engagement and the rejection of violence or misinformation in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
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