Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, has mourned the passing of the Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose lifetime of service left an enduring legacy for Nigeria.

Adebayo, in a condolence message issued on Thursday, said he received the news of the elder statesman’s death at the age of 88 with profound sadness, noting that Nigeria had lost one of its most accomplished public servants and patriotic leaders.

According to him, the late Sardaunan Sokoto’s decades of service to the country, including his roles as Minister of Finance, Permanent Secretary and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, were marked by wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to national development.

“Nigeria has lost a distinguished statesman, accomplished public servant, and patriotic leader whose remarkable career in public service left an enduring legacy,” Adebayo said.

The SDP flag bearer said the late statesman lived a life defined by honour, humility and selfless service, adding that his contributions to Nigeria’s development and the preservation of the traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate would continue to inspire generations.

On behalf of his family and supporters, Adebayo extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultanate Council, the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the late Sardaunan’s shortcomings, accepts his good deeds and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus.

Adebayo also prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved family, the Sultanate Council and the nation, describing the late elder statesman as a national figure whose exemplary service and patriotism would remain a reference point in Nigeria’s history.

He concluded his message with the Islamic prayer, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” affirming that all souls ultimately return to their Creator.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.