Sultan Speaks on Alleged Endorsement of Tinubu for 2027

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed reports claiming he urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.

The clarification followed the circulation of posts on social media alleging that the respected traditional ruler had openly endorsed Tinubu for another term in office.

Reacting to the claims on Tuesday, the Sultan’s media team described the reports as false and urged members of the public to ignore them.

In a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s media office, the palace said the monarch had never made such a political declaration and would not do so because of the nature of his office.

The statement maintained that the Sultan occupies a unique position as a traditional and religious leader whose responsibility is to serve all Nigerians without political bias.

According to the media team, attempts to portray him as backing any politician ahead of the 2027 elections are misleading and should be rejected.

It described the viral claim as “a malicious and unpatriotic attempt to drag the revered personality of the Sultan into partisan politics for selfish interests.”

The palace stressed that the Sultan’s role is that of a father figure who provides guidance and encouragement to people from different political, religious and ethnic backgrounds.

It said the monarch remains accessible to every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, and will continue to receive those who seek his counsel or blessings.

The statement read: “Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings.”

It further added: “The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination.”

The media office said any effort to link the Sultan with the campaign or political ambition of any individual ahead of the next general election is inconsistent with the principles that guide the Sultanate.

It reiterated that the Sultan remains committed to promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among Nigerians, regardless of their political differences.

The statement also urged the public to exercise caution when consuming information on social media, warning against the spread of unverified claims capable of creating unnecessary political tension.

It appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it, especially reports involving respected traditional and religious institutions.

According to the palace, the Sultan will continue to discharge his responsibilities as a symbol of unity and a father to all Nigerians, without aligning himself with any political party or candidate.

The Sultan’s media team, however, insisted that the revered monarch has not endorsed any candidate for the next presidential election and urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.