The Presidency has dismissed as fake news whispers that President Bola Tinubu has initiated plans for a sweeping constitutional amendment to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the North.
In an official move to quickly quash the viral disinformation campaign about the so-called “Project True Federation” initiative that seeks to rewrite the nation’s identity, the Presidency assured Nigerians that there are no such plans to either erase Northern Sharia laws or rename the country.
A statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, described the report as fake and politically motivated, accusing unnamed politicians of attempting to create tension and destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Onanuga, claims in the contentious story, which relied solely on anonymous sources, are part of a deliberate effort to stir political unrest, generate public disaffection, and overheat the polity in the build-up to next year’s polls.
The Presidential Spokesperson said Nigerians should disregard the report entirely, describing those behind it as agents of destabilisation and promoters of disorder in the country.
Similarly, he shot down rumours that the President is planning to transmit a bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly on 15th December 2026, shortly before the general elections.
The presidential aide said given that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow a rigorous legal and legislative process, neither the President nor the National Assembly (NASS) is empowered to undertake such an important exercise arbitrarily.
Onanuga further noted that any amendment to the constitution requires extensive scrutiny, debate, and approval by at least two-thirds of members of both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as endorsement by no fewer than 24 State Houses of Assembly.
Cautioning critics and opposition elements to desist from overheating the polity with wild and baseless allegations, Onanuga said President Tinubu refused to be distracted and would stay focused on implementing and consolidating the economic reforms introduced by his administration, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits of democracy to Nigerians.
Urging Nigerians to reject manipulative and divisive propaganda and misinformation, President Tinubu’s image maker warned that the deliberate spreading of fake news could escalate dangerously as political campaigns intensify ahead of the January 16, 2027 general elections.
