Fact-Check: Presidency Denounces Viral Claims of Tinubu Renaming Nigeria or Abolishing Sharia Law

The Nigerian Presidency has officially dismissed as “false, dangerous, and provocative” a viral report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename the country the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia Law in the northern region. The statement, issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, warns citizens against falling for what it calls “divisive propaganda” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Background: The Viral Report and Its Allegations

The now-debunked report claimed that President Tinubu intended to transmit a controversial constitutional amendment bill, code-named “Project True Federation,” to the National Assembly by December 15. The alleged bill purportedly sought to:

• Rename Nigeria the “United States of Nigeria”
• Abolish Sharia Law in the northern states

These claims quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking heated debates and raising concerns about potential religious and political tensions. However, the Presidency has categorically labeled the story as “entirely fake” and urged Nigerians to ignore it.

Why the Claims Are Legally and Procedurally Impossible

To understand why these allegations are baseless, it is essential to examine Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process. Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), any constitutional change requires:

1. Supermajority in the National Assembly

An amendment bill must pass with a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This means at least 73 out of 109 senators and 240 out of 360 House members must vote in favor. Achieving such consensus on a highly contentious issue like renaming the country or abolishing Sharia is virtually impossible without extensive national dialogue.

2. Approval by State Legislatures

After passing the National Assembly, the bill must be approved by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state houses of assembly. Given that Sharia law is constitutionally recognized in 12 northern states, any attempt to abolish it would face fierce opposition from those state legislatures, making the required 24-state approval unattainable.

3. Presidential Assent and Referendum (if required)

Even if the bill clears these hurdles, the President must sign it into law. For fundamental changes like altering the country’s name or religious legal systems, a national referendum might also be constitutionally required—a process that would take years and billions of naira to execute.

Practical Example: In 2014, the National Conference proposed renaming Nigeria to the “United States of Nigeria” as a symbolic gesture, but the recommendation was never adopted because it lacked the political will and constitutional backing. The current viral report appears to be a recycled version of that long-abandoned proposal.

The Presidency’s Strong Rebuttal

In his statement, Mr. Onanuga described the promoters of the viral report as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder” seeking to sow distrust and trigger unnecessary political and religious tension across the country. He emphasized that President Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms, governance, and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians—not on “imaginary political plots being circulated online.”

The Presidency also cautioned Nigerians to expect an increase in fake and misleading reports as political activities intensify ahead of the January 2027 general elections. This warning aligns with global trends: during election cycles, disinformation campaigns often spike, targeting vulnerable communities with emotionally charged narratives.

How to Spot and Avoid Fake News

To protect yourself from similar disinformation, consider these practical tips:

• Verify the source: Check if the news is reported by reputable outlets like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Channels TV, or The Guardian Nigeria.
• Cross-check with official channels: Visit the Presidency’s website or social media handles for official statements.
• Look for evidence: Does the report cite specific documents, dates, or witnesses? Vague claims without verifiable sources are often false.
• Beware of emotional triggers: Stories designed to provoke anger, fear, or religious outrage are often fabricated to manipulate public opinion.

Conclusion: A Call for National Unity

The Presidency’s swift and forceful response underscores the seriousness of this disinformation. By understanding the constitutional barriers and the political context, Nigerians can see why these claims are not only false but also dangerous. As the 2027 elections approach, citizens must remain vigilant, rely on credible sources, and reject divisive propaganda that threatens the nation’s stability.

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