Presidency Denies Alleged Plan to Rename Nigeria, Scrap Sharia Law

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

In a statement issued on Thursday, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the report as “fake news” fabricated by “desperate politicians” seeking to create tension and destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, President Tinubu has no intention of forwarding any proposed legislation code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly, contrary to claims circulating online.

“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,” the statement said.

The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely, warning that fake and divisive stories are likely to increase as political campaigns approach.

Onanuga also stressed that constitutional amendments are governed by strict legal procedures and cannot be carried out unilaterally by the President or the National Assembly.

He explained that any constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly as well as approval by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.

The Presidency further stated that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive political distractions.

“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 2027,” the statement added.