The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has denied reports claiming he endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The monarch, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Bashir Adefaka, described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that he has no preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential poll.
Adefaka said the Sultan, as a traditional and religious leader, remains father to all Nigerians and cannot take sides in partisan politics or publicly endorse any political aspirant.
“The attention of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has been drawn to a report circulating on some social media platforms, creating the impression that the Sultan has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,” the statement read.
The Sultan maintained that his office requires him to remain neutral and accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, noting that it would be inappropriate for him to endorse any candidate ahead of the election.
He further described the reports linking him to Tinubu’s re-election campaign as malicious, alleging that they were orchestrated by individuals pursuing selfish interests and seeking to drag the revered traditional ruler into partisan politics.
According to the statement, the claims do not reflect the Sultan’s long-standing commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and national unity.
The Sultan also reaffirmed that he would continue to receive and engage with all Nigerians, including political leaders and public office holders, without such interactions being interpreted as political endorsements.
“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 statement added.
