Maha Christopher
The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu is planning constitutional amendments to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the North.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the viral claims making rounds on social media were described as fake and politically motivated.
The Presidency said there was no truth in the reports alleging that Tinubu intended to send a controversial bill tagged “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly before the 2027 general elections.
It stated that the reports, which allegedly cited anonymous sources, were aimed at creating tension, stirring political crisis and misleading Nigerians ahead of the election season.
“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,” the statement read.
The Presidency further stressed that constitutional amendments in Nigeria are serious legislative matters that cannot be carried out at the discretion of the President alone.
According to the statement, the process requires legislative scrutiny, approval by two thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and concurrence from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.
Onanuga said President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering what he described as “tangible dividends” to Nigerians rather than pursuing divisive political agendas.
The Presidency also warned Nigerians against spreading or believing fake and inflammatory reports capable of causing division and political unrest in the country.
It added that such reports were likely to increase as political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
