The presidency has dismissed reports that President Bola Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region through a proposed constitutional amendment.
In a statement on Wednesday, the presidency said the claims were false and part of a coordinated disinformation effort.
“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,” read the statement signed by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga
It said the report, which referenced unnamed sources, was intended to stir political tension ahead of elections.
“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 presidency urged the public to disregard the claims entirely.
“Nigerians should ignore the viral story in its entirety because the purveyors of the fake news are agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder,” it added.
It also denied reports that President Tinubu planned to forward any constitutional amendment bill to the National Assembly under a code name.
“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.
“Under our laws, constitutional changes and amendments are serious business that require legislative scrutiny, oversight and serious debate. The process of amending the constitution is not at the President’s or the National Assembly’s whim. It is a task that requires a 2/3 majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly,” said the statement.
“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.
“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.”
