Presidency debunks report claiming Tinubu wants to rename Nigeria, abolish Sharia Law

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

In a statement issued on Thursday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the report as fake, misleading and politically motivated.

According to Onanuga, the publication relied on anonymous sources and was deliberately designed to create tension, provoke public outrage and destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the report, insisting that there is no plan by President Tinubu to sponsor any constitutional amendment bill allegedly codenamed “Project True Federation.”

“The story is entirely false and should be ignored. It is part of a calculated attempt by agents of destabilisation to overheat the polity and spread misinformation,” Onanuga stated.

The presidential spokesman further explained that constitutional amendments in Nigeria cannot be carried out unilaterally by the President, noting that the process requires extensive legislative scrutiny and approval.

He said any amendment to the Constitution must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members of both chambers of the National Assembly and be endorsed by no fewer than 24 State Houses of Assembly.

Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and policies aimed at strengthening the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.

He also warned citizens to be vigilant against fake news and politically motivated misinformation, noting that such reports are likely to increase as political activities intensify ahead of the January 2027 general elections.