The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that he called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his media aide, Prince Bashir Adefaka, the claim was described as false and misleading. The statement stressed that the Sultan, as a father figure to all Nigerians, could not make such a partisan political declaration, either publicly or privately.

Adefaka urged Nigerians to disregard and condemn what he termed a malicious attempt to drag the revered monarch into partisan politics.

“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 further clarified that the institutions of monarchy and religion under the Sultan’s leadership are grounded in neutrality and inclusiveness.

“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 remains within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel,” it added.

It emphasised that the Sultan maintains an open-door policy to all, 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 noted.

The media team called on the public to reject any attempt to misrepresent the Sultan’s position or link him to the political ambitions of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also reiterated the Sultan’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, stability, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

The statement concluded with an appeal to media practitioners and social media users to verify information before dissemination, warning against the spread of reports capable of misleading the public or dragging traditional and religious institutions into partisan political controversies.