Eshioromeh Sebastian
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed viral claims that he is planning to change Nigeria’s name to the United States of Nigeria and abolish Sharia Law in the northern region.
The President made the denial through a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on May 21, 2026.
“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,” the statement quoted the President as saying.
The Presidency response follows viral fake story, which cited anonymous sources and claimed a bill code-named “Project True Federation” would be sent to the National Assembly by December 15.
The devi has triggered serious concerns from prominent northern leaders, including the President of the Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, who publicly warned Nigerians against believing the report and described it as capable of provoking unnecessary religious and regional tension. Onanuga further quoted the President as saying:
“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 President also stated: “Nigerians should ignore the viral story in its entirety because the purveyors of the fake news are agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.
President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to send any bill code-named Project True Federation to the National Assembly by December 15, a few weeks before the general election.”
Onanuga explained that under Nigerian laws, constitutional changes require legislative scrutiny, oversight, and serious debate, adding that the process requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The President further stated that he remains focused on “the arduous task of entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon” and on delivering more tangible dividends to Nigerians.
He warned Nigerians to be wary of consuming fake and divisive reports as the nation begins political campaigns ahead of the general elections in January 2026.
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