We have no hand in ritual proclaiming victory for us ahead of 2027 – Sokoto govt
Sokoto State Government Disavows Claims Linked to Soothsayer’s Ritual
SOKOTO, Nigeria – The Sokoto State Government has officially distanced itself from a man known as Mai Shaho, a self-proclaimed soothsayer, following the release of a viral video in which he purportedly performed a ritual related to the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Friday by Abubakar Bawa, the Director General of Media and Publicity, the government emphasized that it has no affiliation with Mai Shaho or his activities. Bawa characterized any attempt to link the administration to the soothsayer’s claims as “false and misleading.”
In the video, the soothsayer appears to conduct a ritual involving the burial of a live goat, suggesting that a candidate from an opposition political party would fail to garner voter support in the upcoming election.
The government reiterated that both it and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) do not endorse such practices. “The government does not associate with soothsayers, marabouts, magicians, or anyone claiming supernatural powers to influence political outcomes,” the statement read. “We remain committed to democratic principles and firmly believe that elections are decided by the will of the people through the ballot box.”
Authorities underscored their commitment to constitutional governance and peaceful political participation, asserting that election outcomes should depend solely on the voters’ choices rather than rituals or mystical predictions.
The government further dismissed any implications that the soothsayer’s predictions regarding a potential contest between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, represented its views or strategies. They clarified that the actions of the soothsayer are personal and do not reflect the official stance of either the Sokoto State Government or the APC.
The statement concluded by denouncing actions that could foster public distrust or promote superstition, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The government called for adherence to ethical and moral values, urging individuals involved in such practices to cease immediately and refrain from using political agendas to invoke religious controversies. Additionally, the Sokoto State Hisbah Board and relevant authorities were urged to investigate the matter and take appropriate action if necessary.
