The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Monday visited the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, where he called for national unity, improved security, job creation and renewed hope for poor Nigerians.
Obi, who was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of their campaign team, paid the courtesy visit ahead of a town hall engagement in Sokoto State.
The delegation also condoled with the Sultan over the recent death of the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Speaking after the meeting, Obi said Nigeria must come together to overcome its current economic and security challenges.
> “In my remarks, I emphasised the urgent need to unite and secure our nation, tackle poverty, create employment, and rebuild confidence in our country.”
Obi said the Sultan warmly received the delegation and offered fatherly advice on leadership and nation-building.
According to him, the Sultan recalled that he had known him for almost 46 years, dating back to 1980 when he was a first-year student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
> “His Eminence warmly received us and spoke with the wisdom of a father and national leader. He recalled that he has known me for almost 46 years, since 1980, when I was in my first year at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has maintained a cordial relationship since then.”
Obi said the Sultan reminded political leaders that leadership is a sacred trust from God and that every leader would one day be held accountable.
> “He reminded us that leadership comes from Almighty Allah and carries a responsibility for which we will ultimately be held accountable. He also mentioned three critical priorities for Nigeria: security, poverty, and employment.”
The former Anambra State governor further said the Sultan stressed that Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity should unite, rather than divide, the country.
> “He additionally reminded us that our diversity of tribes, tongues, and faiths is part of God’s creation and should be our strength, not our weakness. We do not seek to Islamise or Christianise anyone. We seek to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live safely, prosper, and have a genuine sense of belonging.”
The NDC presidential candidate prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Sultan, the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria, expressing confidence that the country would overcome its challenges through unity, responsible leadership and collective commitment to national development.
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