The Presidency has strongly denied a viral report claiming President Bola Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria as the 'United States of Nigeria' and abolish Sharia law in the northern region. The statement, issued on Wednesday, described the report as entirely fabricated and aimed at causing political tension ahead of the general elections.
Presidency Calls Report 'Fake and Misleading'
The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard the publication, labeling its authors as 'agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.' The statement clarified that President Tinubu has no intention of sponsoring any proposed legislation code-named 'Project True Federation' or transmitting such a bill to the National Assembly before the elections.
'The Presidency wishes to state clearly that there is no truth whatsoever in the viral fake story claiming that President Tinubu seeks constitutional amendments to change Nigeria’s name to the United States of Nigeria and abolish Sharia law in the northern region, among other claims,' the statement read.
Constitutional Amendment Process Explained
The Presidency emphasized that constitutional amendments require extensive legislative scrutiny, broad consultation, and national debate. The process cannot be carried out arbitrarily and requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly as well as the concurrence of at least 24 Houses of Assembly.
Tinubu Focused on Economic Reforms
The statement noted that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing ongoing economic reforms and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians rather than engaging in divisive political distractions. Citizens were cautioned against spreading or consuming fake and inflammatory reports, as misinformation is likely to increase with the approaching elections.
ADC Declares APC Will Collapse Without Power
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that the only factor holding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) together is political power. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated this at the launch of the Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN) at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Abdullahi said ADC represents the future of politics in Nigeria, built on the philosophy of egalitarianism where conversations are tolerated. He added that the movement aims to provide a space for younger people and prepare them for leadership.
'With what has happened to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is tragic in the context, I have no doubt in my mind that the only thing holding the APC together today is power. When you take political power, government power out of the APC, you don’t have a political party,' Abdullahi said.
