Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has said as a traditional ruler, he cannot openly take sides in the political contest.

   POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Sultan’s remark was in response to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for endorsement. Tinubu on Thursday visited the Sultan as he campaigned in Sokoto State. Also present during the visit were President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President Ahmad Lawan. Speaking on the reason for the visit, Tinubu said he came to the Sultan to “seek blessing and endorsement”. Responding, the Sultan said he prays to God to select the most suitable leader for the country. He also asked Nigerians to imitate him and desist from cursing the nation’s leaders. According to the National Peace Committee (NPC) member, the more one prayed for the leaders, the more God would help such leaders to do better for the good of all.