By Dennis Okechukwu
The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading reports 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 by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the viral report as fake news designed to create tension and political instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, the report, which allegedly cited anonymous sources, is part of a wider attempt by “desperate politicians” to stir disaffection and heat up the polity.
“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 statement read.
The Presidency also denied claims that the President intends to transmit a proposed constitutional amendment bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly before the 2027 elections.
It stressed that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow a rigorous legal and legislative process that cannot be carried out unilaterally by the President or the National Assembly.
According to the statement, any constitutional amendment requires the approval of a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as endorsement by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely, describing those behind it as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”
It added that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive political distractions.
The statement further warned Nigerians to be cautious of fake and inflammatory reports, especially as political campaigns begin to gather momentum ahead of the January 2027 general elections.