Presidency Debunks Viral Claim on Nigeria’s Name Change, Sharia Law Abolition
The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading a viral report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to amend the constitution to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the northern region.
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 designed to create political tension and destabilise the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to the statement, President Tinubu has no intention of sponsoring any constitutional amendment bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” or forwarding such a proposal to the National Assembly.
The Presidency stressed that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow a rigorous legal process requiring the approval of two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly as well as concurrence from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.
It further accused unnamed politicians and “agents of destabilisation” of spreading falsehoods to incite disaffection and overheat the political atmosphere as election campaigns approach.
The statement urged Nigerians to disregard the viral claims and remain cautious of divisive misinformation circulating online.
The Presidency added that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians rather than engaging in unnecessary constitutional controversies.
