In a bid to provide Muslims across the country an opportunity to collectively seek Allah’s guidance, protection, peace and blessings for the nation and its citizens, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has convened a special national prayer for Wednesday, September 30.

Meanwhile, the Sultan has urged Nigerians to shun insults on political leaders but to rather use their votes to effect changes at the 2027 general elections if they are not satisfied with their performance.

He spoke yesterday in Abuja when he received the Council of the Wise, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

A statement by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which is also headed by the sultan, said the programme will hold at the Abuja National Mosque Complex from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

According to the NSCIA Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the council urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for continued peace, unity, security, good governance and sustainable development in the country.

He added that the prayer will be followed by the NSCIA General Assembly on Thursday, October 1, at the same venue, beginning at 10 a.m., with the assembly expected to provide a broad platform for consultation, reflection and consideration of issues affecting the body, the Muslim Ummah and the nation.

he Sultan further urged Nigerians to support leaders while they remain in office, pray for them and offer constructive advice whenever they believe they are on the wrong path.

Earlier, Ariwoola said the council, reconstituted, was established to contribute to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections and had come to seek the Sultan’s support in appealing to political parties and candidates to ensure campaigns free of rancour, hate speech, inflammatory statements and violence.