Nigerians at home and abroad have condemned what they describe as a coordinated campaign by some Nigerians living in the United States to malign the Sokoto Caliphate and inflame divisions within the country.
The Sokoto Caliphate is widely regarded as a central pillar of Nigeria’s historical and cultural heritage, with a legacy founded on justice, education, social welfare, and peaceful governance. Historically, it served as a centre of Islamic scholarship and administration that promoted stability and unity across much of West Africa. Critics of the campaign argue that portraying the caliphate as a “terrorist organisation” is a distortion of history and a grave misrepresentation of its role in nation-building.
Those reacting to the development described the actions as unpatriotic and capable of undermining national cohesion, warning that such narratives risk creating unnecessary tension among Nigerians and projecting a false image of the country to the international community. They also noted that these actions betray the values of tolerance and mutual respect under which Nigerians reside peacefully in foreign countries.
Defenders of the institution further pointed out that the seat of the caliphate ranks among the most peaceful states in Nigeria and is recognised for upholding constitutional freedoms, including freedom of religion, thought, speech, fair hearing, and the right to life, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They called on Nigerians to reject what they termed propaganda and divisive rhetoric, urging citizens to stand united in defence of the country’s heritage and identity. According to them, the Sokoto Caliphate remains a symbol of peace within Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region, and its legacy continues to inspire generations.
The group подчерк stressed that Nigerians should not allow external narratives to sow discord, insisting that patriotism, unity, and progress must remain the guiding principles as the nation works toward peace, stability, and national development.