May 21, (THEWILL) — The Presidency has dismissed as false a viral report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to amend the Constitution to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the North.
In a statement issued on Thursday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the report as fake and the handiwork of “desperate politicians” seeking to destabilise the country ahead of the January 2026 general elections.
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no plan to sponsor any constitutional amendment bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” before the National Assembly.
“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 said the report, which allegedly cited anonymous sources, was designed to “create disaffection,” “stir up a political crisis,” and “heat the polity” ahead of the elections.
It urged Nigerians to disregard the publication entirely, describing those behind it as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”
The statement further noted that constitutional amendments in Nigeria are subject to rigorous legislative procedures and cannot be undertaken arbitrarily by the President or the National Assembly.
“Under our laws, constitutional changes and amendments are serious business that require legislative scrutiny, oversight, and serious debate,” the statement said.
“It is a task that requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly.”
The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and improving the welfare of 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,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency also warned Nigerians against falling for divisive and misleading reports as political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming elections.
