Presidency Denies Plan To Rename Nigeria, Scrap Sharia Law

‘Ignore It’ – Presidency Denies Plan To Rename Nigeria, Scrap Sharia Law
Presidency described the viral claims as fake and politically motivated.
Onanuga said Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms and governance.

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed reports claiming his administration plans to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” or abolish Sharia law in the northern region of the country.

The Presidency described the claims as false, misleading and politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, the viral report, which relied on anonymous sources, falsely alleged that Tinubu was planning constitutional amendments that would alter the country’s name and scrap Sharia law in Northern Nigeria.

The Presidency said the report was part of an attempt by “desperate politicians” to create tension and destabilise the country ahead of the next election cycle.

“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 said.

Onanuga stated that Nigerians should ignore the report completely, insisting that the story was fabricated to stir political unrest and spread division across the country.

“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.

“Nigerians should ignore the viral story in its entirety because the purveyors of the fake news are agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder,” he added.

The Presidency also stressed that constitutional amendments cannot be carried out arbitrarily by the President or National Assembly.

According to Onanuga, constitutional changes require a rigorous legislative process, including approval by two-thirds of members in both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.

“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,” the statement added.

The Presidency maintained that Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms and improving the welfare of Nigerians.