Presidency Debunks Viral Claim on Nigeria’s Name Change, Sharia Law Abolition

The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading a viral report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning constitutional amendments to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the northern part of the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the report as fake news deliberately designed to create political tension and division ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, there is no truth whatsoever in the claims that President Tinubu intends to transmit any bill, allegedly code-named “Project True Federation,” to the National Assembly by December 15.

The Presidency said the report, which cited unnamed and anonymous sources, was part of a calculated attempt by “desperate politicians” to mislead Nigerians, destabilise the country and inflame political sentiments.

“The Presidency wishes to inform Nigerians and state clearly that there is no truth to the viral fake story claiming that President Bola Tinubu seeks to carry out constitutional amendments that will change Nigeria’s name to the United States of Nigeria and abolish Sharia Law in the Northern region, among other claims,” the statement read.

It added that the purveyors of the report were “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder” whose objective was to create disaffection and heat up the polity as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.

The Presidency stressed that constitutional amendments in Nigeria are governed by a clearly defined legal process and cannot be initiated or implemented arbitrarily by the President or the National Assembly.

According to the statement, constitutional amendments require extensive legislative procedures, including approval by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly as well as endorsement by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.

“Under our laws, constitutional changes and amendments are serious business that require legislative scrutiny, oversight and serious debate. The process of amending the constitution is not at the President’s or the National Assembly’s whim,” the Presidency stated.

The statement further noted that President Tinubu remains focused on governance and the implementation of ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising and repositioning the nation’s economy.

It said the administration’s priority remains delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive political distractions.

“President Tinubu is focused on the arduous task of entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon. He is focused on delivering more tangible dividends to Nigerians,” the statement added.

The Presidency also warned Nigerians to be cautious of fake and inflammatory reports capable of inciting tension as political campaigns gradually gather momentum ahead of the January 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, misleading and divisive narratives are likely to increase in the coming months, urging citizens to verify information from credible and official sources before sharing.

The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to national unity, constitutional democracy and peaceful coexistence across all regions of the country.