President Tinubu Reacts To Viral Reports On Abolishing Sharia Law In Nigeria

The President also denied rumours suggesting his administration intends to abolish Sharia law in Northern Nigeria.

The clarification was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the presidency, the viral report—based on unnamed sources—falsely alleged that Tinubu was preparing constitutional amendments aimed at changing the country’s name and scrapping Sharia law, among other claims.

The statement described the report as false and politically motivated, alleging that certain individuals were attempting to create tension and destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onanuga urged Nigerians to disregard the claims, insisting they were fabricated to stir division and political unrest.

“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,” the statement read.

He further stated that the report was part of a wider effort by “desperate politicians” to create disaffection and overheat the political atmosphere before the elections.

Onanuga stressed that constitutional amendments are not carried out at the discretion of the President or the National Assembly alone, explaining that the process requires broad legislative approval.

According to him, any amendment to the constitution must secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and also receive the approval of at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.

The presidential aide also denied claims that Tinubu intended to send any bill titled “Project True Federation” to the National Assembly before the elections.

“President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to send any bill code-named Project True Federation to the National Assembly by December 15, a few weeks before the general election,” he said.

He added that the President remains focused on economic reforms and delivering the benefits of governance to Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive political controversies.

Onanuga warned citizens to be cautious of fake and inflammatory reports, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.