Tinubu Has No Plan to Rename Nigeria or Abolish Sharia Law — Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that President Bola Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria and abolish Sharia law in the northern region of the country.

The viral report, which first surfaced online in 2025, claimed that the president intended to seek a constitutional amendment to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria.”

Responding to the claims on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the report as false and politically motivated.

According to Onanuga, the story was fabricated by “desperate politicians” seeking to create tension and political instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stated that President Tinubu has no intention of sending any bill to the National Assembly to rename the country or abolish Sharia law.

“The story is entirely false and should be ignored by Nigerians,” the statement read. “Those spreading the fake report are agents of destabilisation seeking to create political crisis and division in the country.”

Onanuga also dismissed claims about a proposed constitutional amendment allegedly code-named “Project True Federation,” which the report claimed would be introduced before December 15.

He explained that constitutional amendments in Nigeria require a rigorous legislative process, including approval by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

The Presidency added that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians, rather than pursuing divisive political agendas.

Nigerians were also advised to be cautious of fake and misleading reports as political activities begin to intensify ahead of future elections.