The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerian authorities to stop silencing dissenting voices, referencing the persistent persecution faced by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and two-time presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).

Speaking at a National Peace Committee event in Abuja, themed “A Whole-of-Society Approach to the Prevention of Violence and Conflict in Northern Nigeria”, the Sultan directly addressed Sowore as “President Sowore” (with a small ‘p’), expressing hope that he may one day occupy Aso Rock Villa. He invited Sowore to respond with “Amen,” to which the activist gestured appreciatively.

The Sultan emphasized that allowing critics to speak freely strengthens society and warned against repression:

“When you tie somebody down and twist him so he can’t talk, he will be saying things you don’t know. Let him open his mouth and say what he wants to say.”

He highlighted that engaging dissenting voices, including Sowore, is vital for a happier, more harmonious society.

The intervention has sparked nationwide discussion, viewed as a rare call from a senior traditional and religious leader for tolerance, free expression, and democratic maturity in Nigeria.