The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the nation urgently needs leaders with integrity, vision and the fear of God to overcome its mounting challenges.
The revered monarch made the appeal in his Eid-el-Kabir message delivered on Thursday, where he urged citizens to embrace spiritual reflection, national unity and patriotism as essential ingredients for building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said Nigerians must continue to seek divine guidance in the emergence of credible leaders capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship and other pressing national issues confronting the country.
“Our prayers are always the guiding light toward the choice of our leaders; therefore, we should sustain more prayers in our quest for the best country we desire,” he said.
Speaking against the backdrop of growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, the Sultan warned against divisive politics, hate campaigns and actions capable of threatening the unity and stability of the nation.
He emphasised that leadership remains a sacred trust that must be entrusted to individuals who possess honesty, competence and compassion for the people.
According to him, Nigeria’s current socio-economic and security challenges require leaders who are committed to justice, accountability and selfless service rather than personal ambition or sectional interests.
The traditional ruler urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s present difficulties, insisting that sustained prayers, unity and collective sacrifice would help reposition the nation on the path of progress and stability.
He further called on politicians to conduct their activities responsibly and avoid inflammatory statements capable of deepening ethnic, religious and political tensions across the country.
The Sultan stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation, noting that national unity remained critical to the country’s development.
He said Eid-el-Kabir, beyond the celebration, should remind citizens of the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, tolerance and compassion as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
According to him, Nigerians must imbibe these values in their daily interactions and national affairs to promote harmony and strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.
The monarch also urged religious leaders across the country to continue preaching peace, moral discipline and tolerance among their followers, especially as political campaigns gradually gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.
He expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship faced by many Nigerians and appealed to government at all levels to prioritise policies that would improve the welfare of citizens, reduce poverty and create opportunities for the youth.
The Sultan equally encouraged wealthy Nigerians and corporate organisations to support the less privileged during the festive period, describing charity and kindness as essential obligations during Eid-el-Kabir.
He noted that insecurity in parts of the country remained a major concern and urged security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting lives and property while calling on citizens to support authorities with credible information.
The monarch maintained that prayers alone were not enough without responsible conduct from both leaders and followers, stressing that Nigerians must collectively work toward building a nation founded on justice, honesty and mutual respect.
He reiterated his confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its current challenges if citizens remain united and committed to the common good.
“As citizens, we must continue to pray for peace, stability and good leadership. We should also play our own part by promoting unity, understanding and patriotism in all we do,” he added.
The Sultan’s message comes at a time when political discussions surrounding the 2027 elections are gradually intensifying amid concerns over insecurity, inflation, unemployment and other socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Religious and traditional leaders across Nigeria have continued to advocate peaceful political participation and issue calls for credible leadership as preparations for the next electoral cycle slowly begin to take shape.
