Presidency Denies Plans to Rename Nigeria or Abolish Sharia

The Nigerian Presidency has officially denied reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu intends to rename Nigeria to the "United State of Nigeria" or abolish Sharia law in the Northern region. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Thursday, clarifying that these claims are unfounded and stem from anonymous sources described as "desperate politicians" attempting to create political unrest ahead of the 2027 elections.

Onanuga emphasized that there is no truth to the viral fake story and that President Tinubu has no plans to submit any constitutional amendments to the National Assembly, particularly not a bill referred to as "Project True Federalism" by December 15, 2026. He noted the legal complexities involved in constitutional amendments, which require serious legislative scrutiny and cannot be initiated at the president's whim.

Onanuga warned against the spread of misinformation, especially as the political climate heats up in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for January 2027.