Sultan Denies Backing Tinubu for 2027, Says He Has No Preferred Presidential Candidate

The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the revered traditional and religious leader has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the media team described the report as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to drag the Sultan into partisan politics.

According to the statement, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, serves as a father figure to all Nigerians and, by virtue of that role, cannot publicly support or endorse any political candidate or party.

The media team stressed that the Sultan’s position has always been one of neutrality, emphasizing that he offers guidance, prayers and counsel to all political leaders and public office holders irrespective of their political affiliation.

It urged Nigerians to disregard the viral report, describing it as a malicious and unpatriotic attempt to exploit the Sultan’s respected position for political purposes.

“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 said.

The media team further maintained that the institutions of monarchy and religion, under the leadership of the Sultan, are expected to remain above partisan politics while promoting peace, unity and national cohesion.

It warned against attempts to associate the Sultan with any political campaign or presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he has not declared support for any candidate.

The statement also appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that the spread of unverified reports could mislead the public and undermine the integrity of respected traditional and religious institutions.

Reaffirming the Sultan’s commitment to national unity, the media team said the monarch would continue to encourage peaceful coexistence, dialogue and mutual respect among Nigerians, regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences.