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The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has denied reports claiming that the Sultan, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the media team described the reports circulating on some social media platforms as false, misleading and inconsistent with the Sultan’s longstanding non-partisan role.

According to the statement, it is impossible for the Sultan to publicly endorse any political candidate because of his position as a father figure to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.

“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 urged Nigerians to disregard what it called a malicious attempt to drag the revered traditional and religious leader into partisan politics for selfish interests.

It stressed that the Sultan’s role as both a monarch and religious leader requires him to remain impartial while offering guidance, prayers and fatherly counsel to all Nigerians, including politicians who seek his blessings.

The statement noted that the Sultan’s palace remains open to everyone without discrimination, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic background.

It further warned against linking the Sultan to the political ambitions or campaigns of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that such claims should be rejected.

Reaffirming the Sultan’s commitment to national unity, the media team said he remains dedicated to promoting peace, stability and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.

The statement also called on journalists and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing reports capable of misleading the public or dragging traditional and religious institutions into political controversies.

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The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as a major boost to troop welfare and morale.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister said the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the services.

Under the new package, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase, those from Warrant Officer to Colonel will get a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent pay rise.

General Musa said the structure of the salary review demonstrates the President’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of frontline troops.

Describing the approval as a significant morale booster, the minister said it reinforces the Tinubu administration’s commitment to security sector reform.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to preserve the peace and territorial integrity of our nation. By raising the annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion, the President has matched words with concrete action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains paramount,” he said.

“This subversion of financial hardship for our officers and soldiers will resonate across every theatre of operation; from those confronting insurgency in the North East to troops tackling banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping across the country. On behalf of the entire defence structure, we assure Mr. President and the Nigerian public that this gesture will be met with renewed vigour, uncompromising discipline, and heightened operational effectiveness.”

The minister urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to regard the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats, protect civilian lives and restore peace across the country.

He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capacity and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.

President Tinubu approved the salary increase in recognition of the sacrifices of military personnel in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. The new salary structure, announced on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, raises the annual military wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, with about 250,000 personnel expected to benefit from the new pay package.

The salary increase, approved by the President, will take effect from September 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.

Under the new arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.

The new salary structure is expected to raise the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

President Tinubu said the decision was part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel who are involved in combating banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise troop welfare while modernising the Armed Forces through the provision of weapons and technological tools required to effectively discharge their duties.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

The President urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and sacrifices.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he added.

The announcement comes as the Armed Forces continue to confront security threats, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in different parts of the country.