2027: Obi, Kwankwaso Visit Sultan

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace yesterday.

This comes just as the Sultan has urged politicians to conduct their political activities peacefully and avoid divisive rhetoric that could create hatred and tension in society ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Sultan gave the advice on Monday when he received the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, his running mate, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, and the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Dr Shamsu Haido, at his palace in Sokoto.

He called on politicians and their supporters to respect one another, uphold the unity of the country and avoid abusive language, insults and other actions that could trigger violence.

The Sultan said while politicians had the right to present their policies and seek the support of the electorate, they must do so with respect for the law and those with different political views.

He stressed that politics should not be used to divide the people or create hostility, adding that Nigeria’s interests and the country’s peace should take precedence over political differences.

According to him, political positions are temporary, while peace and unity remain essential to society’s development.

The monarch also urged political leaders, particularly those seeking public office, to lead by example and ensure their campaigns did not become sources of conflict or division. In his remarks, Obi thanked the Sultan for receiving the delegation and listening to them.

The visit was part of the delegation’s political engagements and consultations with traditional and community leaders.

Obi: We’ll Reinstate Subsidy After Curbing Corruption

Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to reinstate the petroleum subsidy after tackling corruption in the country.

Obi made the pledge at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto on Monday. He said corruption remained the major challenge confronting Nigeria, adding that his administration, if elected, would tackle corruption across all sectors.

“People are talking about subsidy, but what it’s all about is corruption. By removing corruption, I assure you we will reinstate the subsidy.

“The problem of Nigeria is corruption; as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to vote for NDC candidates at all levels, saying it is a collective responsibility to address the country’s recurring challenges.

He said the party is committed to providing what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”

The former Anambra governor also expressed concern about the economic situation of Nigerians, promising to deploy the country’s resources to improve security, education, and other sectors of the economy.

“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” Obi said.

He also promised to connect all state capitals by rail to facilitate economic activity and boost development. Also speaking, the NDC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the visit was to meet with the people of Sokoto and seek their support and cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said they had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, where he prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.

He said that, although various parts of Nigeria were facing challenges, the North-West had become a major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping.

“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and making Nigeria better,” he said.

Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto state, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in the 2027 elections.

The state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the meeting provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country. (NAN)