Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Visit Sultan of Sokoto as NDC Intensifies 2027 Consultations

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, as the party intensifies consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso disclosed the visit in a post on his social media platforms after the NDC delegation arrived in Sokoto on Monday.

“Upon our arrival in Sokoto today, I had the honour of accompanying our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, on a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Eminence Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, CFR.”

He expressed appreciation to the Sultan for what he described as a warm reception, exemplary leadership and gracious hospitality.

The delegation also included the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsu Haido, and other party members.

The visit formed part of the party’s wider political consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

During the meeting, the Sultan urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly.

He reminded political actors that they have the constitutional right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to Nigerians and seek electoral support.

However, he cautioned politicians against abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements capable of increasing tension or triggering violence.

The Sultan also urged political leaders to place Nigeria’s peace and unity above their individual political differences, stressing that political positions are temporary while national stability remains important.

The engagement comes about two weeks after the Sultan received members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari.

The Sultan's engagement with political actors from different parties has been presented by his media team as part of his role as a traditional leader engaging politicians across political divides.

Obi's visit therefore represents another engagement between a presidential ticket and one of Nigeria's prominent traditional institutions ahead of the next general election.

Following the palace visit, Obi and Kwankwaso continued their engagements in Sokoto, where they were scheduled to interact with residents and stakeholders as part of the NDC's political consultations.

The development comes as political parties and presidential candidates increasingly take their campaigns and consultations beyond party structures to traditional institutions, community leaders and voters across the country.