The Presidency has dismissed a viral social media report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern part of the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Onanuga said the report, which allegedly surfaced online in 2025, was the handiwork of “desperate politicians” seeking to create tension and political instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no plan to sponsor any constitutional amendment bill aimed at changing the country’s name or abolishing Sharia law.
“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 statement said.
Onanuga urged Nigerians to disregard the report entirely, insisting that those behind it were “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”
He further denied claims that Tinubu intends to forward a bill, allegedly code-named “Project True Federation,” to the National Assembly before December 15.
The presidential aide noted that constitutional amendments in Nigeria require extensive legislative procedures, including approval by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
He added that the President remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
Onanuga also cautioned citizens against spreading fake and divisive information as political activities intensify ahead of the next general elections.
