By Christian Abolu 

The Presidency on Thursday dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was planning constitutional amendments to change the name of Nigeria to the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern part of the country.

The Presidency described the report as fake news designed to create tension, political disaffection and instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Nigerians were urged to disregard the viral report in its entirety.

According to the statement, President Tinubu has no plan to send any bill code-named “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly.

“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,” the statement said.

The Presidency stated that constitutional amendment is a serious legislative process that cannot be carried out unilaterally by the President or the National Assembly.

It explained that any constitutional amendment requires extensive legislative scrutiny, public debate and the support of two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as the approval of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

The statement added that President Tinubu remained focused on implementing economic reforms and delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

It also cautioned Nigerians against spreading fake and divisive information, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.

“Nigerians should be wary of consuming fake and divisive reports, which will proliferate as the nation begins political campaigns, a prelude to the general elections in January 2027,” the statement added.