Presidency denies report claiming Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria, abolish Sharia Law

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidency has dismissed as false reports circulating online alleging that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning constitutional amendments to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the northern region of the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the viral report as fake, misleading and aimed at creating political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the story, which allegedly cited anonymous sources, forms part of attempts by “desperate politicians” to create disaffection, destabilise the country and inflame the political atmosphere.

“The Presidency wishes to inform Nigerians and state clearly that there is no truth to the viral fake story,” the statement said.

The Presidency also denied claims that President Tinubu intends to transmit any bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly by December 15.

According to the statement, a constitutional amendment is a serious legislative process that cannot be carried out unilaterally by the President or the National Assembly.

The Presidency explained that under Nigerian law, constitutional amendments require the approval of a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria as well as concurrence from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.

The statement stressed that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering what it described as tangible dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

The Presidency further urged citizens to be cautious of fake and divisive reports expected to intensify as political campaigns ahead of the January 2027 general elections gather momentum.

It warned Nigerians against falling for misinformation spread by individuals described as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”