Tinubu has no plan to rename Nigeria, abolish Shariah law — Presidency

The Nigerian Presidency has forcefully refuted circulating rumors suggesting President Bola Tinubu intends to rename the nation to the "United States of Nigeria" and abolish Sharia law through constitutional amendments. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed these claims as "fake news" and a deliberate ploy by "desperate politicians" to sow discord and destabilize the country as the general elections approach.

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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.

Onanuga’s statement clarified that there is no truth to the viral report, which cited anonymous sources and aimed to create political crisis and disaffection. He characterized those behind the fabrication as "agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder." The Presidency also denied any plan to transmit a constitutional amendment bill, allegedly codenamed “Project True Federation,” to the National Assembly by December 15.

Highlighting the constitutional framework, the Presidency reminded Nigerians that any amendments to the constitution are a serious undertaking. Such changes require a rigorous legal process, including a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 state legislatures. This process is not subject to the whims of the President or the National Assembly alone.

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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.

President Tinubu remains focused on his administration's core agenda: entrenching and deepening economic reforms and delivering tangible dividends to Nigerians. The Presidency urged citizens to disregard divisive and unverified information, particularly as political activities intensify. This firm denial serves to quell potential unrest and maintain focus on governance and national development.

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Under our laws, constitutional changes and amendments are serious business that require legislative scrutiny, oversight and serious debate.