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Tinubu Not Planning To Rename Nigeria Or Abolish Sharia Law In The North- Presidency Blasts ‘Fake News Merchants’
According to the Presidency, the false narrative is being circulated by “anonymous sources” allegedly linked to political actors seeking to incite division and trigger unrest in the country ahead of the general elections.
Abuja, Nigeria– The Presidency has dismissed viral claims alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the Northern region, describing the reports as “fake, misleading and deliberately designed to destabilise the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.”
In a detailed State House press statement issued on Wednesday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency categorically stated that there is no such constitutional amendment plan being prepared or considered by President Tinubu, and urged Nigerians to disregard the viral story in its entirety.
The statement also rejected claims that the President intends to transmit a bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly by December 15, describing the report as “fabricated and rooted in political desperation.”
According to the Presidency, the false narrative is being circulated by “anonymous sources” allegedly linked to political actors seeking to incite division and trigger unrest in the country ahead of the general elections.
The statement read, “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 government further described the viral report as part of “a 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.”
It warned Nigerians to be cautious of misinformation spreading on social media and other platforms, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 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,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency also emphasised that President Tinubu has no intention of sponsoring any constitutional amendment under the alleged “Project True Federation” or any similar initiative.
It stressed that the constitutional amendment process in Nigeria is not arbitrary and cannot be initiated at the sole discretion of the President or the National Assembly.
“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,” the statement clarified.
Explaining the constitutional procedure, the Presidency noted that any amendment to Nigeria’s constitution requires a rigorous legislative process involving both federal and state institutions.
“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 2/3 majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly,” it said.
Reaffirming the administration’s priorities, the Presidency said President Tinubu is currently focused on economic reforms and governance efforts aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians rather than engaging in political distractions or constitutional controversies.
“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.
It further warned that fake news and politically motivated misinformation campaigns are expected to increase as the country moves closer to the election period.
“Nigerians should be wary of consuming fake and divisive reports, which will proliferate as the nation begins political campaigns, a prelude to the general elections in January 2026,” the Presidency cautioned.
