2027 Election Scare: Sokoto Govt Breaks Silence On Viral Ritual Allegation

The Sokoto State Government has disowned a self-styled soothsayer popularly known as Mai Shaho following the circulation of a viral video in which he allegedly performed a ritual while making predictions about the 2027 governorship election.

The government insisted it has no relationship with the individual or his activities, describing attempts to associate the administration with the alleged ritual as false, misleading and politically motivated.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa.

The reaction followed the widespread circulation of a video showing the self-proclaimed soothsayer allegedly burying a live goat while making claims about the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in Sokoto State.

In the video, the man reportedly claimed that the governorship candidate of an opposition political party would fail to win the support of voters in the election.

The footage sparked widespread reactions, with some commentators attempting to link the alleged ritual to the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the state government firmly rejected the claims, stressing that neither the administration nor the APC had any affiliation with the soothsayer.

According to the statement, the government does not endorse rituals, prophecies or claims of supernatural powers as tools for influencing political outcomes.

“The government does not endorse or associate with soothsayers, marabouts, magicians or anyone claiming supernatural powers to influence political outcomes,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing that electoral victories should be determined solely by the will of the people through the ballot box.

“We remain committed to democratic principles and firmly believe that elections are decided by the will of the people through the ballot box,” the government added.

The administration also reiterated its commitment to constitutional governance and peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Government Rejects Claims Involving Aliyu, ADC Candidate

The Sokoto State Government also dismissed suggestions that the prediction contained in the viral video regarding a possible contest between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, reflected its position.

It maintained that the statements made in the video were solely those of the individual involved and should not be interpreted as representing the views, policies or political strategy of either the state government or the APC.

The government emphasized that political contests must be decided through democratic processes rather than rituals, prophecies or mystical claims.

It also warned against actions capable of spreading misinformation, encouraging superstition or inflaming political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, activities that conflict with the state’s religious and moral values will not receive government support or protection.

The administration further urged individuals engaging in practices it described as contrary to Islamic teachings to desist immediately.

“We urge those engaging in practices that are contrary to the teachings of Islam to desist immediately and refrain from using politics to promote actions capable of creating religious controversy or misleading the public,” the statement added.

The government called on the Sokoto State Hisbah Board and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take appropriate action where necessary.

It said such measures were necessary to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections remain peaceful, lawful and consistent with democratic principles.