Obi-Datti team denies alleged endorsement by Sultan, blames mischief makers

The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization has responded to reports that Alhaji Muhamadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has endorsed Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, in his campaign for the presidency.

The renowned traditional ruler was compelled to release a statement refuting the rumoured endorsement that circulated last week.
But to put an end to the persistent rumours that persisted despite the denial, the Obi-Datti Campaign Committee refuted what it called “wicked rumours” spread by troublemakers and “morally bankrupt political operators seeking power at any costs” in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement issued in Abuja and signed by Diran Onifade, the Obi-Datti Campaign team’s media coordinator:

“We have no hand in the wicked rumour of a purported endorsement of our Presidential Candidate by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhamadu Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR.

“We are deeply in sympathy with the Sultan, who has been dragged into partisan politics by unscrupulous and morally bankrupt political operatives seeking power at all cost, including by disrespecting the religious symbolism of the the sacred office of the Sultan.

“We make haste to categorically state that there is no trace of the offensive statement to the Obi-Datti Campaign.

“We are aware that the claim, of the Sultan endorsing Peter Obi as President, was deliberately contrived to force the Sultan to denounce it, by using unusually strong words.

“We believe that such fraudulent scams and pranks speak volumes on the character of those who employ them as acceptable political strategy, regardless of the grave danger of creating political divides along religious lines it portends.

“Nigerians are alert and have taken note of the fact that dubious individuals with a shady crime tainted past, are dangerous; and should never be voted to occupy the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an Office that represents our collective moral stature to the world.”