The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has warned Nigerians against being deceived by political promises ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging voters to scrutinise candidates and choose leaders based on what would best serve the country.
The Sultan gave the warning on Monday when he received the All Progressives Congress 2027 Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari Abubakar, at his palace in Sokoto.
He urged Nigerians to listen carefully to what politicians promise during campaigns and assess whether such promises would advance their interests and the development of the country.
The monarch also cautioned political parties and candidates against turning insecurity and other national challenges into campaign tools.
He called for peaceful and issue-based campaigns, urging politicians to respect the choices of voters and conduct their campaigns in ways that would promote national unity and development.
The Sultan acknowledged the severity of insecurity and poverty in the country but said no government anywhere could completely eradicate such challenges.
He, however, stressed that governments had a responsibility to reduce their impact on citizens.
His warning comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections, with campaigns and political mobilisation expected to intensify in the coming months.
The Sultan wished members of the APC campaign council success and prayed for peace, stability and good governance in Nigeria.
Earlier, Yari said the delegation visited the Sultan to seek his guidance, advice and prayers ahead of the election.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that the APC-led Federal Government had achievements to present to Nigerians.
Yari assured the Sultan that the APC campaign council would conduct peaceful campaigns and appealed for his continued support.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said the 2027 electioneering process had commenced nationwide in accordance with the timetable and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Other members of the APC delegation included Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Senators Aliyu Wamakko, Adamu Aliero and Ali Modu Sheriff, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others.