Sultan Rejects Claims of Islamisation Agenda in Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed allegations of a planned “Islamisation” of Nigeria, describing such claims as divisive and unrealistic.

Speaking at the First Triennial Meeting of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, the Sultan stated that Muslims have no agenda to eliminate Christianity in the country, stressing that both faiths coexist for a reason. He emphasized that dialogue remains the most effective path toward national unity and peace.

The monarch also cautioned against the growing influence of unqualified clerics, warning that the ability to speak Arabic does not automatically make someone an Islamic scholar. He urged religious leaders to guide followers responsibly and avoid using religion for political or personal interests.

Addressing insecurity, the Sultan rejected attempts to associate terrorism and banditry with Islam, insisting that criminals should not be profiled based on religion. According to him, many Muslims have also suffered and died from violence across northern Nigeria.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, he called for stronger trust between religious leaders and their followers, adding that cooperation between Christians and Muslims sends an important message of unity to ordinary Nigerians.