Sokoto, 28 September 2026
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said on Monday that he accompanied the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto after the pair arrived in the city.
Writing on his official X account, Kwankwaso said: “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. We are deeply grateful to His Eminence for his warm reception, exemplary leadership, and gracious hospitality.”
The call took place at the Sultan’s palace and formed part of the party’s consultations with traditional and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general election. The delegation included the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsu Haido, and other party officials.
His Royal Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, received the visitors in his capacity as a national father figure open to politicians of every party. Two weeks earlier he had received members of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council.
Palace officials said both groups used their audiences to discuss national affairs, outline their plans and seek royal blessing. The Sultan told politicians they had a constitutional right to present their programmes and seek support, but he urged them and their supporters to keep the peace, avoid insults and inflammatory language, and respect the law and the unity of Nigeria.
Mr Obi thanked the Sultan for receiving the delegation and for listening to them. He described the visit as part of a wider round of engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders as the NDC prepares its campaign.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, is the party’s running mate on a ticket confirmed earlier this year. The Sokoto visit followed the pair’s arrival at Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport and was their first public engagement of the day in the state.
