Sultan of Sokoto Counters Kukah: “Islamism Is About Good Governance, Not Seizing Power”

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has strongly clarified misconceptions surrounding the term Islamism, insisting that it should not be misconstrued as a tool for political dominance or religious extremism.

Speaking in response to comments made by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Sultan explained that Islamism is fundamentally about promoting justice, fairness, and effective leadership—not grabbing political power.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Abubakar stressed that reducing Islamism to a struggle for political control is misleading and harmful. According to him, the concept is rooted in values that strengthen communities and ensure that leaders govern with accountability and fairness.

> “I want to correct the notion when Bishop Kukah talked about Islamism,” the Sultan declared. “You see, you may have used the term in a wrong manner, making some people feel Islam is negative. Islamism is not aimed at seizing power in any particular forum. Islamism is after good governance in society.”

He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that Nigerian Muslims gave him overwhelming support during his administration despite religious differences.

> “Goodluck Jonathan was president, we gave him 100 percent support throughout his presidency. Nobody said anything negative about him, he knows that and he is here. Islamism is not about seizing power. It is about good governance, justice, and making our communities better,” the Sultan emphasized.
The intervention comes at a time when interfaith dialogue remains critical to Nigeria’s unity, with both religious and political leaders being urged to avoid narratives that fuel mistrust or misconceptions.