Sultan: I Am Neither for Tinubu Nor Against Him—I Am Father to All Nigerians

…Debunks viral 2027 endorsement claim, says throne must remain above partisan politics

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has said he is neither supporting nor opposing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that as a traditional ruler and spiritual leader, he remains a father to all Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations.

Speaking through his media team, the Sultan dismissed as false reports circulating on social media claiming that he had called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s re-election 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 said.

The statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka described the report as a malicious and unpatriotic attempt to drag the revered monarch into partisan politics for selfish interests.

He stressed that the institution of the Sultanate is founded on neutrality and exists to provide moral, spiritual, and fatherly guidance to all Nigerians, regardless of political persuasion.

“Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal, and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings,” the statement said.

It added that the palace remains open to every Nigerian without discrimination.

“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 urged Nigerians to disregard attempts to portray the Sultan as endorsing the campaign or candidacy of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It maintained that, as a father figure, the Sultan remains committed to promoting peace, national unity, stability, and harmonious coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.

Adefaka also appealed to journalists and social media users to verify information before publishing or circulating reports capable of misleading the public or dragging respected traditional and religious institutions into partisan political controversies.