TD Sokoto, Sokoto State — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
According to Obi’s camp, the visit was part of his ongoing engagements with traditional and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Also on the entourage was the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr. Shamsu Haido, and other members of the party.
The delegation met the Sultan at his palace in Sokoto on Monday, September 28, 2026, during Obi/Kwankwaso visit to the state.
Obi, Kwankwaso Seek the Blessing of Sultan
The courtesy visit formed part of the NDC candidates’ consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi expressed appreciation to the Sultan for granting the delegation an audience.
He described the engagement as an opportunity to discuss matters concerning Nigeria and the party’s political aspirations.
The visit came shortly after the NDC presidential and vice-presidential candidates arrived in Sokoto for a series of political engagements.
The engagements include a town-hall meeting with party members and supporters.
Sultan Urges Peaceful Politics
Speaking during the meeting, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to a statement from the Sultan’s media team, the monarch acknowledged the constitutional right of politicians.
He said they have the right to present their manifestos and programmes to Nigerians and seek their support.
He, however, cautioned political actors against abusive language, insults and inflammatory rhetoric capable of increasing tensions or causing divisions among communities.
The Sultan stressed that political offices are temporary, while the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria remain fundamental to the country’s development.
He also urged political leaders to lead by example and respect citizens and candidates with differing political views.
Security, Poverty and Unemployment Discussed
The meeting also touched on some of the major challenges confronting Nigeria, including insecurity, poverty and unemployment.
According to reports of the engagement, the Sultan identified security, poverty and unemployment as among the country’s most pressing challenges.
Obi similarly emphasised the need to address insecurity, reduce poverty and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor subsequently addressed an NDC town-hall meeting in Sokoto.
Therein, he outlined his positions on the economy, security, agriculture, education and infrastructure.
He also spoke about the management of Nigeria’s oil resources and promised greater transparency in oil production, transactions and government revenues if elected.
Sultan Recalls Long Relationship with Obi
The meeting also featured a personal moment as the Sultan reportedly recalled knowing Obi for nearly 46 years.
The monarch said he first knew Obi in 1980, when Obi was a student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Back then, the Sultan was serving as a young military officer in the area.
The Sultan’s engagement with Obi and Kwankwaso follows a similar meeting with a delegation from the 2027 All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council earlier in September.
The Sultan’s media team said both engagements reflected the traditional institution’s role.
According to him, traditional institutions ought tom receive political actors and discussing issues concerning the nation.
The Sokoto meeting comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify consultations across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
