L-R: NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday visited the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, where he called for national unity, improved security, job creation and renewed hope for poor Nigerians.
Obi was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of their team during the courtesy visit to the Sultan’s palace in Sokoto ahead of a town hall engagement in the state.
The delegation also condoled with the Sultan over the recent death of the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Speaking during the visit, Obi said Nigeria must come together to overcome its current challenges.
“In my remarks, I emphasised the urgent need to unite and secure our nation, tackle poverty, create employment, and rebuild confidence in our country,” he said.
Obi said the Sultan received the delegation warmly and offered fatherly advice on leadership and national development.
According to Obi, the traditional ruler recalled knowing him for nearly five decades.
“His Eminence warmly received us and spoke with the wisdom of a father and national leader. He recalled that he has known me for almost 46 years, since 1980, when I was in my first year at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has maintained a cordial relationship since then,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor said the Sultan reminded political leaders that leadership is a trust from God and comes with accountability.
“He reminded us that leadership comes from Almighty Allah and carries a responsibility for which we will ultimately be held accountable. He also mentioned three critical priorities for Nigeria: security, poverty, and employment.”
Obi added that the Sultan stressed the importance of unity in Nigeria’s diversity.
“He additionally reminded us that our diversity of tribes, tongues, and faiths is part of God’s creation and should be our strength, not our weakness. We do not seek to Islamise or Christianise anyone. We seek to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live safely, prosper, and have a genuine sense of belonging.”
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Sultan, the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria, expressing optimism that the country can overcome its challenges.
The visit comes as political leaders continue consultations and engagements with key stakeholders across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), is widely respected for promoting peace, religious tolerance and national unity.
