Tinubu Speaks On Changing Nigeria’s Name, Abolishing Sharia Law – Here’s What He Actually Said

A viral report claiming President Bola Tinubu plans to change Nigeria’s name to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the North has been making the rounds online. The Presidency has now responded, and it’s a flat denial.

What the viral report claimed

The story, which spread across WhatsApp and social media on May 21, 2026, alleged that Tinubu was preparing a constitutional amendment bill code-named “Project True Federation.”

According to the report, the bill would:

1. Rename Nigeria to the “United States of Nigeria”

2. Abolish Sharia law in the northern region

3. Be sent to the National Assembly by December 15, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections

It cited anonymous sources and framed the move as part of a broader constitutional restructuring.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga addressed the claims directly in a statement on Thursday.

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”*. 

Onanuga described the report as fake news fabricated by “desperate politicians” to create disaffection and heat up the polity ahead of the 2027 elections. 

He also denied the existence of any bill called “Project True Federation” and said Tinubu has no plan to transmit such a bill to the National Assembly.

Changing a country’s name or altering the legal status of Sharia law are major constitutional issues in Nigeria. Both touch on national identity, religion, and federalism.

Onanuga reminded Nigerians that constitutional amendments aren’t something a president can do unilaterally. 

Under Nigerian law, amendments require:

- A 2/3 majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives

- Approval by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly

“It is a task that requires legislative scrutiny, oversight and serious debate,” the statement read. 

The Presidency linked the viral story to political misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections. Onanuga warned Nigerians to be wary of fake and divisive reports, calling the purveyors “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder”. 

He said President Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians, rather than divisive constitutional debates. 

As of now, there is no official plan from the Tinubu administration to change Nigeria’s name or abolish Sharia law. The story originated from anonymous sources and has been debunked by the Presidency. 

Sharia law remains operational in several northern states under the framework allowed by the Nigerian constitution, particularly for personal and civil matters among Muslims.