Tinubu sends congratulatory message to Sultan of Sokoto on 20 years as king

President Tinubu congratulates Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar on his 20-year reign, recognizing his contributions to Nigeria's unity and peace.

By Aproko Man

2 Nov 2026, 16:022 min read

Tinubu sends congratulatory message to Sultan of Sokoto on 20 years as king

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, as he marks 20 years on the throne.

In a personal tribute, Mr Tinubu praised the Sultan for his humility, bravery, and his efforts in promoting Nigeria’s unity since he took the throne.

Mr Abubakar, a retired brigadier general, became Sultan on 2 November 2006. He took over from his brother, Muhammad Maccido, who passed away in 2006.

The president said the Sultan, who leads the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, has not only kept the rich traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate alive but has also added to it, reshaped it, and turned it into a strong force for peace, unity, and national progress.

“Twenty years ago, you ascended the throne with humility, courage, and a profound sense of duty. In the two decades since, you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development,” Mr Tinubu said.

Today, I join millions of your subjects and friends in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate you as you mark 20 years on the exalted throne of your forebears as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.

You began your reign with humility, courage, and a strong sense of duty. Over these two decades, you have kept the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate alive and made it a powerful tool for peace, unity, and Nigeria’s development.

Your deep wisdom, calmness in tough times, and strong commitment to Nigeria have always impressed me. You have gone beyond being just a traditional ruler. You have been a moral guide, a bridge between religions, a voice of moderation, and a trusted advisor to leaders all over the country.

As Sultan and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, you have always stood for religious harmony and tolerance. With you as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found a way to come together, making our diversity a source of strength instead of division.

Your push for peace in the North and across the Sahel, your dedication to education, especially for girls, your support for farmers and public health, and your quiet but effective help for the poor and vulnerable show that your reign truly focuses on the people.

Personally, I deeply value our friendship. Your advice has always been honest, patriotic, and in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and prayers for our nation.

As you celebrate this important milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will grant you good health, long life, and renewed wisdom. May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria, and respect to the Ummah.