The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the nation needs leaders with integrity, vision and fear of God to overcome its current challenges.
The monarch made the call in his Eid-el-Kabir message on Thursday, where he emphasised the importance of spiritual reflection, unity and patriotism in building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
The Sultan, who also serves as 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 national concerns.
“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.
He stressed that Nigeria’s progress would not depend solely on political campaigns and elections, but also on justice, sincerity, competence and selfless leadership.
The monarch further urged citizens to embrace the values of sacrifice, tolerance, obedience and compassion associated with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, noting that such virtues are essential for peaceful coexistence and national development.
He prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity across the country and expressed hope that future celebrations would come under better economic and security conditions.
The Sultan also commended Ahmed Aliyu for efforts aimed at improving security and the welfare of residents in Sokoto State, particularly the support provided for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He equally prayed for the safe return of all Nigerian pilgrims and urged leaders at every level to prioritise national interest and the wellbeing of citizens as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
