By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu plans to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region through proposed constitutional amendments.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the viral report as fake and aimed at causing 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,” the statement said.
According to the Presidency, the report falsely alleged that the President intended to transmit a constitutional amendment bill 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,” the statement added.
The Presidency accused unnamed political actors of deliberately spreading misinformation to create division and destabilise the country.
“The story… 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.”
It urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely, describing those behind it as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”
The statement further explained that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow an established legal process and cannot be carried out unilaterally by the President or the National Assembly.
“Constitutional changes and amendments are serious business that require legislative scrutiny, oversight and serious debate,” the Presidency stated.
“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.”
Reaffirming the administration’s priorities, the Presidency said President Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms and governance rather than political distractions.
“President Tinubu is focused on the arduous task of entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon,” the statement noted.
“He is focused on delivering more tangible dividends to Nigerians.”
The Presidency also warned Nigerians to be cautious of fake and divisive reports as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to intensify.
