I didn’t endorse Tinubu for second term, ignore campaign rumour – Sultan of Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has denied endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to disregard reports linking him to any political campaign.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media team and signed by Bashir Adefaka, the Sultan described the report circulating on social media as false, malicious and an attempt to drag the revered traditional ruler into partisan politics.

According to the statement, it was impossible for the Sultan, as a father figure to all Nigerians, to publicly endorse any candidate or political party.

“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 media team urged the public to disregard any attempt to misrepresent the Sultan’s position or associate him with the campaign of any candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It stressed that the Sultan’s role as a traditional and religious leader requires him to remain impartial while offering guidance, blessings and counsel to politicians and other Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation.

“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.

The statement also reaffirmed the Sultan’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, stability and peaceful coexistence across the country.

He cautioned media organisations and social media users against circulating false reports capable of misleading the public and drawing religious institutions into partisan political controversies.