The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename the country the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region through constitutional amendments.
In a statement by the Presidency described the viral claims as baseless fabrications orchestrated by unpatriotic elements seeking to incite unrest and destabilise the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It clarified that President Tinubu has not sponsored, proposed, or endorsed any bill or executive action to alter the official name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or to repeal the constitutional recognition of Sharia law in states where it is currently practised.
“The reports are outright falsehoods with no foundation in the President’s policy direction or legislative agenda,” the statement read. “President Tinubu remains committed to the Constitution and the unity of Nigeria as a secular, multi-religious federation.”
The Presidency stressed that constitutional amendments are guided by a clear legal process requiring passage by the National Assembly and concurrence by two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. It noted that no such process has been initiated by the executive arm regarding the country’s name or the status of Sharia.
It further urged Nigerians to disregard the misinformation and cautioned media organisations and social media users against amplifying unverified claims capable of inflaming regional and religious tensions.
According to the statement, the administration is focused on delivering its Renewed Hope Agenda, with priority on economic stabilisation, security, health sector reforms, and job creation.
The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, constitutional order, and the peaceful conduct of all future elections, warning that purveyors of fake news designed to undermine public trust and national cohesion would be identified and held accountable.
