Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, at his palace in Sokoto State. The visit occurred ahead of a series of town-hall engagements in the region, as disclosed in a statement issued via Obi's X handle @PeterObi on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Three Key Concerns Raised During the Visit
During the meeting, Obi said Nigeria urgently needed to address insecurity, reduce poverty, and create jobs for its citizens. He also stated that his campaign was focused on rebuilding public confidence in the country's future. The Sultan received the delegation warmly and reflected on the state of the nation, listing security, poverty, and unemployment as the three most pressing challenges Nigeria must confront.
The Sultan also addressed the country's diversity, saying that the variety of tribes, languages, and religions in Nigeria was part of God's design and should be a source of strength rather than division. Obi echoed this position, saying his campaign did not seek to promote any religion over another but to build a country where every citizen feels safe, prospers, and has a genuine sense of belonging.
Sultan Recalls Nearly 46-Year Relationship with Obi
One of the more personal moments of the visit came when the Sultan disclosed that he had known Obi for close to 46 years. The monarch recalled their acquaintance from 1980, when Obi was in his first year at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Sultan said their relationship had remained cordial ever since.
During the visit, both men condoled with the Sultan over the recent death of the Sardauna of Sokoto. The delegation also included other members of their team, according to the statement.
NDC and Support Groups Lock Horns
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that NDC began registering support groups ahead of the 2027 election, triggering pushback from key allied movements. The OK Movement's Director-General rejected the exercise outright, saying the movement would not surrender its structure to the NDC. The Kwankwasiyya spokesman called for understanding, pointing to APC support groups that operate independently without registering with the ruling party.
The visit to Sokoto underscores the campaign's focus on addressing national challenges, with the Sultan's remarks reinforcing the importance of unity and leadership accountability in Nigeria.
