There are no plans to change the name of Nigeria, abolish Sharia law -Preaidency

The Presidency has stated that there is no truth in the viral fake news which claims that President Bola Tinubu is seeking constitutional amendments that would change the name of Nigeria to the United States of America and abolish Sharia Law in the Northern region, among other claims.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Thursday stated that the story, citing anonymous sources, was part of a dubious plan carried out by some desperate politicians to create discontent in the country, inflame a political crisis, and overheat the government ahead of the general elections.

He called on Nigerians to ignore this viral story in its entirety because “purveyors of fake news are agents of destabilization and traffickers of chaos”.

“President Tinubu has no plans whatsoever to send any bill codenamed Project True Federation to the National Assembly by December 15, weeks before the general election.

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“Under our constitution, changing and amending the constitution is a serious matter that requires legislative oversight, scrutiny and serious debate. The process of amending the constitution is not at the whim of the President or the National Assembly. This is a task that requires a 2/3 majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the approval of the 24 Councils of State.

“President Tinubu is focused on the daunting task of strengthening and deepening the economic reforms his administration has initiated. He is focused on delivering more tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.

“Nigerians should be wary of consuming false and divisive reports, which will proliferate as the country embarks on a political campaign, ahead of general elections in January 2027,” he said.