Reported by Simon yusuph,| Journalist at wengglobal
The media office of the Sultan of Sokoto has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that the revered traditional ruler has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, stressing that the Sultan remains a father to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
The clarification comes amid increasing political speculation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with various public figures and institutions becoming subjects of unverified endorsement claims circulating across social media and political platforms.
In a statement issued by the Sultan’s media team, the palace described the reports linking His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, to any campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the longstanding non-partisan role of the Sultanate.
According to the statement, the Sultan has consistently maintained a position above partisan politics, serving as a moral voice, religious leader, and unifying figure whose responsibility extends equally to every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political persuasion.
The media office emphasized that the Sultan’s engagements with political office holders should not be interpreted as political endorsements, noting that meetings with elected leaders are part of his constitutional and traditional responsibilities aimed at promoting national peace, religious harmony, security, and development.
“The Sultan belongs to all Nigerians,” the statement stressed, adding that any attempt to portray him as supporting one political camp over another misrepresents both his office and the values it represents.
Palace Urges Public to Ignore False Narratives
The Sultan’s media team urged citizens, political actors, and media organisations to verify information before sharing or publishing politically sensitive claims.
It warned that misinformation surrounding respected national institutions could unnecessarily heighten political tensions at a time when Nigeria requires unity and constructive dialogue to address pressing economic and security challenges.
The palace further appealed to political supporters across party lines to refrain from dragging the Sultan into partisan debates or electioneering campaigns, reiterating that the traditional institution remains committed to fostering peace and national cohesion.
A Tradition of Political Neutrality
Observers note that the Sultan of Sokoto has historically maintained political neutrality despite regularly engaging presidents, governors, lawmakers, diplomats, and leaders from different political parties.
As President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Sultan frequently participates in national consultations on issues ranging from insecurity and education to interfaith dialogue and humanitarian concerns. These engagements have often included meetings with successive administrations without implying political endorsement.
Political analysts argue that preserving the neutrality of traditional and religious institutions remains critical for maintaining public confidence, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.
Growing Concern Over Political Misinformation
The clarification also reflects growing concerns over the spread of misinformation in Nigeria’s evolving digital information space.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections, false endorsement claims involving prominent religious leaders, traditional rulers, and public figures have become increasingly common, prompting repeated denials from individuals and institutions seeking to protect their reputations and maintain neutrality.
Media experts continue to encourage journalists and the public to rely on verified statements issued through official communication channels rather than unverified social media posts or anonymous sources.
Tinubu’s Re-election Conversation Intensifies
Although formal campaigns for the 2027 presidential election have yet to commence, discussions surrounding President Tinubu’s possible second-term bid have continued to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape.
Several political organisations, opposition figures, governors, and influential stakeholders have either declared positions or dismissed reports linking them to endorsements of prospective candidates. Against this backdrop, the Sultan’s media office insisted that his institution should not be drawn into partisan political narratives.
The palace reiterated that the Sultan’s primary mission remains promoting peaceful coexistence, national unity, religious tolerance, and dialogue among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
National Unity Above Politics
The latest clarification reinforces the enduring expectation that Nigeria’s foremost traditional and religious leaders remain impartial arbiters capable of bringing together citizens across political divides.
By distancing the Sultan from partisan endorsements, the palace seeks to preserve the integrity of one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional institutions while reminding political actors that national unity should remain paramount above electoral competition.
As political conversations continue to gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, the Sultan’s media office has urged Nigerians to reject misinformation and support responsible public discourse rooted in facts, mutual respect, and peaceful democratic engagement.
Sources:
- Daily Trust
- Punch Newspapers
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Channels Television
