Fact-Check: Presidency Denounces Viral Report on Tinubu’s Plan to Rename Nigeria and Abolish Sharia Law

The Nigerian Presidency has officially and unequivocally denied a viral report claiming that President Bola Tinubu intends to change the country’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the Northern region. The statement, issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, warns citizens to treat the story as baseless and malicious disinformation, particularly as the nation approaches the general elections scheduled for January 2026.

Background: The Viral Claim and Its Dangers

The fabricated report, which circulated widely on social media and some unverified news platforms, alleged that President Tinubu was planning to send a bill—codenamed “Project True Federation”—to the National Assembly by December 15. Among its supposed provisions were renaming Nigeria to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolishing Sharia law in the Northern region. Such claims, if left unchecked, could inflame religious and regional tensions, especially in a country where Sharia law is a sensitive and legally recognized system in several states.

Sharia law, as practiced in 12 Northern Nigerian states, is a parallel legal system for Muslim citizens, primarily governing personal status matters like marriage, inheritance, and family law. Any suggestion of its abolition would be seen as a direct attack on religious freedom and regional autonomy. Similarly, renaming Nigeria—a nation with deep historical and cultural roots—would be a monumental and highly controversial constitutional change.

Presidency’s Official Response: Key Points

1. No Truth to the Story

Onanuga stated clearly: “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.”

2. Motive: Political Destabilization

The statement described the purveyors of the fake news as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.” It noted that the story, which cited anonymous sources, is part of a “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.” This is a classic disinformation tactic: using emotionally charged, divisive issues to polarize the electorate and undermine trust in the electoral process.

3. Constitutional Reality: Amendments Are Not Easy

Onanuga emphasized that under Nigerian law, constitutional changes are a serious, multi-layered process. “The process of amending the constitution is not at the President’s or the National Assembly’s whim. It is a task that requires a 2/3 majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly.” This means that even if President Tinubu wanted to pursue such changes—which he does not—he would need broad, bipartisan support across the federation, making the claim highly implausible.

4. President’s Focus: Economic Reforms

The statement redirected attention to the administration’s actual priorities: “President Tinubu is focused on the arduous task of entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon. He is focused on delivering more tangible dividends to Nigerians.” These reforms include subsidy removal, currency unification, and efforts to attract foreign investment—all aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving living standards.

Why This Matters: The Threat of Disinformation in Election Season

As Nigeria gears up for the 2026 general elections, the information environment is likely to become increasingly polluted with fake news, propaganda, and divisive narratives. This incident serves as a textbook example of how disinformation can weaponize sensitive topics—religion, regional identity, and national symbols—to sow discord. Citizens are urged to verify any sensational claims through official government channels, reputable news outlets, and fact-checking platforms.

Practical Tips for Readers

• Check the source: Is the story from a known, credible news organization? Does it cite named officials or anonymous sources?
• Cross-reference: Look for official statements from the Presidency, the National Assembly, or other relevant bodies.
• Beware of emotional triggers: Stories designed to provoke anger, fear, or outrage are often fabricated.
• Use fact-checking tools: Platforms like Africa Check, Dubawa, and the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) can help verify claims.

Conclusion: A Clear Denial, A Clear Warning

The Presidency’s response leaves no room for ambiguity: President Tinubu has no plan to rename Nigeria or abolish Sharia law. The viral story is a fabrication intended to destabilize the country ahead of elections. Nigerians are advised to ignore it and remain vigilant against similar disinformation campaigns. As the election season intensifies, the responsibility falls on every citizen to consume news critically and prioritize unity over division.

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