The Presidency of Nigeria has dismissed as false and “dangerously misleading” viral reports alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the country’s northern region through constitutional amendments.
In a statement issued amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Presidency said the reports were fabricated and designed to create political tension, deepen regional divisions, and destabilise the country.
According to the statement, President Tinubu has no intention of sponsoring any constitutional amendment bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” or forwarding such legislation to the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Presidency Warns Against Fake News Ahead of Elections
The government described the reports as part of a broader campaign by “desperate politicians” seeking to inflame public sentiment ahead of election campaigns expected to intensify before the January 2027 polls.
Officials urged Nigerians to disregard the claims entirely, warning that misinformation and politically motivated disinformation are likely to increase as the electoral season approaches.
The statement emphasized that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow a rigorous legal process and cannot be enacted unilaterally by the President or lawmakers.
Constitutional Amendment Process Highlighted
The Presidency noted that any constitutional amendment in Nigeria requires approval by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as ratification by at least 24 of the country’s 36 state Houses of Assembly.
Legal analysts say the clarification underscores the sensitivity surrounding constitutional and religious issues in Nigeria, where debates over federalism, regional autonomy, and Sharia law have historically generated political and social tensions.
Sharia law currently operates in several northern Nigerian states primarily in matters relating to personal and civil law for Muslims, alongside the country’s secular constitutional framework.
Tinubu Administration Focused on Economic Reforms
The Presidency said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms aimed at stabilising Africa’s largest economy, attracting investment, improving infrastructure, and addressing inflationary pressures affecting households and businesses.
Since assuming office in 2023, the administration has pursued major policy changes including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, and fiscal restructuring measures that have drawn both domestic debate and international investor attention.
Growing Concern Over Political Disinformation
The emergence of the viral claims reflects broader concerns about the role of misinformation and social media manipulation in Nigeria’s political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers warn that fake reports touching on religion, ethnicity, and constitutional restructuring have the potential to heighten tensions in Africa’s most populous nation if left unchecked.
The Presidency called on citizens, media organisations, and digital platforms to verify politically sensitive information before sharing it publicly.
