Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 20th anniversary on throne

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, on his 20th anniversary on the throne.

In a tribute he personally signed, Mr Tinubu praised the Sultan for his humility, courage and contributions to Nigeria’s unity since he ascended the throne.

Mr Abubakar, a retired brigadier general, assumed the position on 2 November, 2026, succeeding his brother, Muhammad Maccido, who died in 2006.

The president said the foremost traditional ruler, who is the president-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate but also enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development.

“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.

My Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

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

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.

Your uncommon wisdom, your calm in moments of tension, and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation, and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country.

As Sultan and as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, you have consistently stood for religious harmony and tolerance. Under your leadership as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division.

Your advocacy for peace in the North and across the Sahel, your passion for education, especially for the girl-child, your support for our farmers and for public health, and your quiet but effective interventions for the poor and vulnerable speak to a reign that is truly people-centred.

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

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

President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces