Presidency Debunks Claims of Planned Renaming of Nigeria, Sharia Law Abolition

Our Reporter 

The Presidency has dismissed as false reports alleging that President Bola Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in Northern Nigeria through a proposed constitutional amendment.

In a statement by the presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described the claims as fabricated and part of a deliberate campaign aimed at spreading misinformation and heightening political tension.

“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.

According to the Presidency, the report, which allegedly relied on anonymous sources, was designed to sow discord and create instability in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The story, which cited anonymous sources, is part of the dubious plot by some desperate politicians to create disaffection in our country, stir up a political crisis, and heat the polity ahead of the general elections,” the statement added.

The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard the publication entirely, describing those behind it as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”

It also refuted claims that President Tinubu intended to submit a constitutional amendment proposal to the National Assembly under a codename identified as “Project True Federation.”

“President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to send any bill code-named Project True Federation to the National Assembly by December 15, a few weeks before the general election,” Onanuga stated.

The Presidency further stressed that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow a rigorous legislative process and cannot be initiated arbitrarily.

“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. It is a task that requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly,” the statement said.

Reaffirming the administration’s priorities, the Presidency said President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering developmental outcomes for Nigerians.

“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,” it stated.

The statement also warned citizens to be cautious of misinformation and divisive narratives as political activities intensify in the lead-up to the January 2027 general elections.