The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has issued a firm denial of reports claiming he has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s reelection campaign for the 2027 presidential race. Speaking through his media aide, Prince Bashir Adefaka, the prominent traditional and religious leader dismissed the circulating reports as malicious fabrications designed to drag him into partisan politics for selfish ends. The statement comes amid growing speculation about political alignments and endorsements as Nigeria edges c to another electoral cycle.
In a detailed response to the allegations, the Sultan’s office emphasized that as a father figure to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, it would be impossible for him to publicly or privately support any single candidate over others. The clarification underscores the delicate position occupied by traditional rulers in Nigeria’s complex political landscape, where maintaining neutrality is often seen as essential to preserving their moral authority and ability to serve as unifying figures across diverse communities.
According to the statement released by his media team, social media platforms had been circulating reports creating the impression that the Sultan called on Nigerians to support the president’s reelection bid. Such claims, the statement insisted, represent an unpatriotic attempt to exploit the Sultan’s influence for narrow political gains. The monarch has consistently positioned himself as a leader who relates with all Nigerians without discrimination, a stance that has earned him respect across party lines and religious divides.
The Sultan’s office further clarified that while his doors remain open to all visitors regardless of their political persuasion, such interactions should not be misconstrued as political endorsements. This openness to dialogue with leaders from all political camps has been a hallmark of his tenure, reflecting the traditional role of Nigerian monarchs as mediators and bridge builders in times of political tension. However, openness to engagement does not translate to partisan alignment, the statement made clear.
Traditional rulers in Nigeria have long walked a tightrope between their ceremonial duties and the political realities of the nation. While some have openly endorsed candidates in past elections, many others, particularly those holding significant religious authority like the Sultan, have sought to maintain stud neutrality. This neutrality allows them to serve as credible interlocutors during political crises and to advocate for their communities without being dismissed as partisans.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, expect intensified efforts by political camps to secure endorsements from influential traditional and religious leaders across the country. The Sultan’s forceful denial suggests he intends to remain above the political fray, a position that may become increasingly difficult to maintain as campaigns heat up and politicians seek every possible advantage in what promises to be a fiercely contested race. Whether other traditional rulers will follow his example of public neutrality or wade into the political arena remains to be seen, but the Sultan’s statement has set a clear marker for those who might seek to claim his support without authorization.
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