WorldStage– The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the performance of their political leaders to channel their grievances into their votes during the 2027 general elections.
Rather than resorting to insults, especially across social media platforms, the revered monarch emphasized that the constitutional ballot remains the only effective mechanism for actualizing real democratic change.
The monarch made the call in Abuja during a strategic engagement with the newly reconstituted 11-member Council of the Wise from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), led by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Addressing the delegation at his residence, the Sultan noted that while citizens have a legitimate right to feel aggrieved by administrative shortfalls, resorting to derogatory remarks, toxic social media trolling, or inflammatory actions does not solve national problems.
“Insults don’t make things change, but go and vote him out because you have that right to vote,” the Sultan stated.
He pointed out that the President is doing the right thing and that Nigerians should pray for him, and if he is doing wrong, they should draw him back, but advised the President to listen as a leader”
The traditional ruler further emphasized that a democracy thrives on constructive feedback rather than abuse.
He requested that citizens support leaders while they occupy office, offer objective advice through proper channels, and pray for wisdom to guide elected officials across local, state, and federal levels.
In the same vein, the Sultan cautioned political actors, candidates, and their respective support groups to eschew inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech as campaign machinery gathers momentum for 2027.
He stressed that ideological and political differences must never be allowed to degenerate into physical violence or destabilize the fragile peace of the nation.
Adding his voice, the leader of the SCDDD delegation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, explained that the Council of the Wise is actively consulting with key national stakeholders, traditional institutions, and religious bodies to lay a solid foundation for credible, peaceful, and transparent polls.
The Sultan’s latest message reinforces his long-standing position of absolute political neutrality, coming weeks after his media team explicitly dispelled viral internet rumors claiming he had endorsed a specific candidate for the 2027 presidency.
He concluded by reiterating that the ultimate destiny of Nigeria’s leadership remains securely in the thumbs of its electorate
