By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading a viral report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to amend the Constitution to rename Nigeria the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the North.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the report as “fake” and part of a plot by “desperate politicians” to create tension and political instability ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“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.
According to the Presidency, the report, which allegedly cited anonymous sources, was designed to “create disaffection in our country, stir up a political crisis, and heat the polity ahead of the general elections.”
The statement urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely, describing those behind it as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”
The Presidency also denied claims that the President planned to transmit a proposed constitutional amendment bill, allegedly code-named “Project True Federation,” to the National Assembly before the elections.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
The statement further stressed that constitutional amendment processes in Nigeria are rigorous and cannot be carried out arbitrarily.
“Under our laws, constitutional changes and amendments are serious business that require legislative scrutiny, oversight and serious debate,” the statement said, noting that such amendments require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and approval by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The Presidency added that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
“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.
The Presidency also cautioned Nigerians against fake and divisive reports as political activities ahead of the 2026 elections intensify.
