The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has distanced himself from reports alleging that he endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Sultan’s Media Team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on Tuesday.
The statement described reports circulating on social media as false and misleading, insisting that the Sultan, as a traditional and religious leader, does not support or campaign for political candidates.
According to the media team, the Sultan’s position as a father figure to all Nigerians makes it impossible for him to publicly or privately endorse any aspirant seeking elective office.
“The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion,” the statement noted.
The team stressed that the revered monarch remains committed to neutrality and continues to engage all Nigerians without discrimination based on political, ethnic or religious considerations.
It added that the institutions of monarchy and religion under the Sultan’s leadership are rooted in fairness, unity and spiritual guidance rather than partisan politics.
The statement urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as a deliberate attempt to drag the Sultan into political contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also warned against using the Sultan’s name to advance personal or political interests, describing such actions as irresponsible and capable of undermining public trust in traditional institutions.
Reaffirming the Sultan’s commitment to national cohesion, the media team said he would continue to promote peace, mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.
The statement further appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publication, cautioning against the spread of unverified reports capable of misleading the public.
The clarification comes amid increasing political activities and endorsements ahead of the 2027 elections, with several prominent figures and institutions becoming subjects of speculation regarding their political preferences.
The Sultan’s media team, however, maintained that the traditional ruler remains non-partisan and focused on his role as a unifying figure across the country.
