Sultan of Sokoto Refutes Claims of Endorsing President Tinubu for 2027

​Reports claiming that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections have been officially debunked.

​Addressing viral social media reports, the Sultan’s media team issued a clarifying statement describing the claim as entirely false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to drag non-partisan royal and religious institutions into political controversies.

​Key Highlights of the Statement

​The official response, signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s media team, emphasized the following points:

​Strict Neutrality: As a supreme traditional ruler and spiritual leader, the Sultan occupies a fatherly role to all citizens regardless of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations. Making a partisan political endorsement publicly or privately is strictly contrary to that position.

​Open-Door Policy for Guidance: While the Sultan offers royal blessings and counsel to political figures who visit him, these interactions are spiritual and traditional courtesies rather than political endorsements.

​A Call to Verify: The statement urged media practitioners, social media influencers, and the public to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing stories that could mislead citizens or politicize sacred institutions.

​"His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination."

Prince Bashir Adefaka, Media Team for the Sultan of Sokoto

​Why Political Neutrality Matters for Traditional Leaders

​In Nigeria’s political landscape, traditional and religious figures hold immense influence over millions of followers. As election cycles approach, political actors and commentators often attempt to leverage the prestige of these institutions to gain momentum.

​However, monarchical and spiritual leaders maintaining non-partisanship serves an essential purpose:

​Promoting National Unity: Traditional institutions act as unifying anchors during heated political contests.

​Preserving Trust: Aligning with a specific candidate or political party risks alienating sections of the populace who hold different political views.

​Facilitating Mediation: When national tensions rise, neutral leaders are best positioned to mediate conflicts and promote peace.

​Final Takeaway

​As the countdown toward the 2027 elections gradually picks up interest, the Sultan's rebuttal serves as a timely reminder of the importance of media literacy and verifying information before accepting viral headlines as fact. Traditional rulers continue to play a vital role in fostering national stability, a responsibility that relies heavily on remaining above the fray of partisan politics.