Fact-Check: Presidency Denies Viral Claims of Renaming Nigeria and Abolishing Sharia Law
The Nigerian Presidency has officially dismissed as false and misleading a viral report alleging that President Bola Tinubu plans to initiate constitutional amendments to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region. The statement, issued on Thursday, categorically refutes these claims, labeling them as fabricated and designed to create disaffection, provoke political unrest, and destabilize the country ahead of the general elections.
Understanding the Allegations and the Presidency’s Response
The viral report, which cited unnamed sources, suggested that President Tinubu was behind a proposed legislation code-named “Project True Federation.” According to the Presidency, this is entirely untrue. The statement emphasized that President Tinubu has no intention of sponsoring any such bill or transmitting it to the National Assembly before the elections.
“The Presidency wishes to state clearly that there is no truth whatsoever in the viral fake story claiming that President Bola Tinubu seeks constitutional amendments to change Nigeria’s name to the United States of Nigeria and abolish Sharia law in the northern region, among other claims,” the statement read.
Why These Claims Are Legally and Practically Impossible
To understand why these allegations are baseless, it’s important to examine the constitutional amendment process in Nigeria. The Presidency itself highlighted this in its statement: “Constitutional amendments are serious matters requiring extensive legislative scrutiny, broad consultation and national debate. The process is not at the whim of either the President or the National Assembly.”
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, amending the constitution requires:
- A two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
- Approval by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
This multi-layered process ensures that no single individual—including the President—can unilaterally change the country’s name or abolish a legal system like Sharia law, which is constitutionally recognized in several northern states. Sharia law, as applied in Nigeria, operates within the framework of the constitution and is a matter of state jurisdiction, not federal legislation. Any attempt to abolish it would require a complex, nationwide consensus that is virtually impossible to achieve without broad public and political support.
Context: The Role of Misinformation in Nigerian Politics
This incident is not isolated. As Nigeria approaches the January 2026 general elections, misinformation and fake news are expected to increase. The Presidency warned citizens against spreading or consuming such inflammatory reports, describing those behind them as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”
Historically, false narratives about constitutional changes have been used to stoke ethnic and religious tensions in Nigeria. For example, similar rumors circulated during the 2015 and 2019 election cycles, often targeting the country’s federal structure or religious balance. The current claim about renaming Nigeria to “United States of Nigeria” echoes a long-debated but never-implemented proposal from the 1960s, which was abandoned due to lack of political will and public opposition.
Practical Example: How Misinformation Spreads
Consider a typical scenario: A fabricated report is shared on WhatsApp groups or social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). It cites “anonymous sources” and uses emotionally charged language to trigger reactions. Within hours, it is picked up by blogs and local news outlets, gaining credibility through repetition. By the time an official denial is issued, the damage is done—trust is eroded, and communities are polarized.
To combat this, the Presidency urged Nigerians to verify information from official sources, such as the State House website or the Ministry of Information’s social media handles. The statement also reminded citizens that constitutional amendments are serious matters requiring extensive legislative scrutiny, broad consultation, and national debate.
President Tinubu’s Focus: Economic Reforms, Not Distractions
The Presidency further emphasized that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing ongoing economic reforms and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians, rather than engaging in divisive political distractions. “President Tinubu is committed to deepening and consolidating the economic reforms embarked upon by his administration and ensuring improved living conditions for Nigerians,” the statement noted.
These reforms include subsidy removal, tax policy modernization, and efforts to attract foreign investment. By redirecting attention to these substantive issues, the administration aims to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, who are grappling with inflation and unemployment.
What This Means for the Average Nigerian
For the average citizen, the key takeaway is to remain vigilant and critical of unverified news, especially during election seasons. The constitutional amendment process is designed to be transparent and inclusive, involving multiple layers of government and public input. Any major change—such as renaming the country or abolishing a legal system—would require years of debate, not a secret presidential plan.
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Conclusion: A Call for Media Literacy and National Unity
In a time of heightened political activity, the spread of fake news poses a real threat to national stability. The Presidency’s swift denial of these claims is a reminder that misinformation can be countered with facts and transparency. Nigerians are encouraged to rely on official communications and to report suspicious content to relevant authorities.
As the 2026 elections approach, let this incident serve as a case study in the importance of media literacy. By questioning sources, cross-referencing information, and avoiding the temptation to share unverified reports, citizens can protect themselves and their communities from manipulation.
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