#FactCheck! Verdict on Viral Claim that President Tinubu Sang the Old National Anthem

#Checkbeforeyoupost

The claim in a viral video showing President Bola Tinubu reciting the old national anthem ‘Arise O’ Compatriot…’ during the supposed Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting shared on major broadcast stations and social media is false.

The post, which has garnered many views and shared on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp on 7th July 2026 by AIT, Sahara Reporters, Rufai Oseni generated many reactions as most attributed it to artificial intelligence (AI).

However, Newsleverage verified the claim to establish the truth.

Verification Process:

To verify the claim, a screenshot of the video was uploaded on Image Whisperer for analysis and it revealed that the video was altered to show the date ‘7/7/2026’.

“Unknown actual date, but digitally altered to display “07.07.2026” to present a fabricated or manipulated future scenario.”

It was re-aired on 7th July, with adjustments made to include the topic of the council meeting which was held on the 6th of July, 2026. It attracted significant reactions because the President changed the national anthem on 29th May 2024.

Meanwhile, the announcer mentioned Dr Iziaq Salako as Honourable Minister for State on Environment during the national anthem, but Dr Salako was reassigned as Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare in October 2024. It’s also worthy to note that the Ministry of Niger Delta which was also mentioned in the video was restructured and merged into the broader Ministry of Regional Development in late 2024.

Additionally, in government protocol for meetings, no announcements are made by either the anchor or announcer during the national anthem.

Further investigation revealed that the topic of ‘removal of FCTA from TSA’ was fresh news as of 7th July 2026, and has been shared by major news outlets including The Guardian, TheCable, Punch, and Daily Post. Newsleverage found that the council meeting held on Monday, 6th July 2026, was edited with the recording of the old national anthem to suit a narrative.

Verdict:

False.

Conclusion:

The claim that President Tinubu sang the old national anthem is false. The video was edited to spread misinformation or disinformation and may be intended to heat up the polity, especially as the 2027 election approaches.