The Presidency has warned Nigerians against the growing spread of misinformation ahead of the next general elections, dismissing as false a viral report claiming President Bola Tinubu plans to rename the country the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the North. Officials say the circulation of such claims reflects increasing attempts to inflame political and religious tensions as campaign activities begin to gather momentum nationwide.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the report as fabricated and politically motivated. According to the statement, there is no plan by President Tinubu to sponsor any constitutional amendment seeking to alter Nigeria’s name or remove Sharia legal systems in northern states. The government said the story was designed to provoke division and create distrust among Nigerians.
The Presidency also cautioned citizens against relying on unverified information circulating online, especially reports attributed to anonymous sources. Officials noted that constitutional amendments in Nigeria follow a rigorous legal process involving both chambers of the National Assembly and at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, making claims of secret constitutional changes unrealistic and misleading.
According to the statement, the administration believes false political narratives may increase as the country approaches the January 2026 general elections. The Presidency alleged that individuals behind such reports are attempting to destabilise the political environment by spreading fear and confusion among different regions and religious groups. Authorities urged Nigerians to verify sensitive claims before sharing them on social media platforms.
The government maintained that President Tinubu’s attention remains on economic reforms and governance priorities rather than constitutional restructuring. Officials said the administration is focused on implementing policies aimed at improving the economy and delivering public services, insisting that no proposal known as “Project True Federation” exists within government circles.
Political analysts say the incident highlights the growing challenge of disinformation in Nigeria’s electoral climate, particularly on digital platforms where unverified reports can spread rapidly. They warn that fake news tied to religion, ethnicity and constitutional matters could heighten tensions if not promptly addressed. Observers are also calling for stronger public awareness campaigns and responsible political communication as election activities intensify across the country.
