The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has distanced himself from reports claiming he endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that he remains above partisan politics.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the revered traditional ruler described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to disregard them.

“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 read.

The media team condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to drag the Sultan into partisan politics for selfish interests, stressing that his role as a traditional and religious leader requires him to remain neutral.

According to the statement, the institutions of monarchy and religion under the Sultan’s leadership are founded on the principles of inclusiveness and impartiality.

“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,” it stated.

The statement explained that the Sultan receives people from all political backgrounds in keeping with his responsibility as a father figure and spiritual leader, noting that such engagements should never be interpreted as political endorsement.

“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 media team added.

Reaffirming the Sultan’s commitment to national unity, the statement urged the public to reject attempts to portray him as supporting any political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also appealed to journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing reports capable of misleading the public or dragging traditional and religious institutions into partisan political disputes.