Presidency dismisses claims of plan to rename Nigeria, abolish Sharia law

The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement on Thursday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the viral report was fabricated and aimed at creating political tension ahead of the 2027 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.

Onanuga said the report was part of a coordinated attempt by “desperate politicians” to stir unrest and disaffection across the country.

“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,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the claims, describing those behind them as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”

The Presidency also denied allegations that Tinubu planned to transmit a constitutional amendment bill tagged “Project True Federation” to 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,” Onanuga stated.

He stressed that constitutional amendments follow a strict legislative process involving approval by the National Assembly and state assemblies, not unilateral presidential action.

Onanuga added that the President remains focused on economic reforms and delivering governance priorities to Nigerians.

“President Tinubu is focused on the arduous task of entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon,” the statement noted.

The Presidency further cautioned against the spread of misinformation, especially as political activities heighten ahead of the 2027 elections.