Tinubu May Approve Only One New State — Sources

There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the creation of only one new state once the National Assembly and State Assemblies complete the required legislative steps.

It was gathered in Abuja on Friday that Anioma State, a proposed state whose advocates say would help address feelings of marginalisation among South‑Easterners, is likely to be the sole creation to emerge from the current process.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed to Vanguard that consultations among key interest groups are at an advanced stage, particularly between those supporting and opposing the inclusion of Anioma within the South‑East geopolitical zone.

This conversation has intensified amid renewed calls by Senator Ned Nwoko for a unified Igbo front backing the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South‑East.

The South‑East currently has only five states, making it the zone with the fewest states in the federation.

However, some groups in Delta State have opposed the idea of placing Anioma in the South‑East. They argue that the proposed state should instead be carved out of the South‑South geopolitical zone, increasing the region’s number of states to seven.

Despite these competing views, sources close to the Presidency said that only Anioma State is being seriously considered for creation at this time.

“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South‑East region and Ndigbo in general,” one presidential source said.

The source explained that President Tinubu is mindful of arguments on both sides but considers Anioma the most viable option among several requests for state creation.

“He is also keen on achieving geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice, particularly to assuage the feelings of marginalisation expressed by Ndigbo, whose region currently has the fewest states,” the source added.

The Presidency source also dismissed ongoing agitation by some stakeholders for an alternative “Anim‑Oma State”, a proposal that would combine parts of Anioma in Delta State, the old Orlu Zone in Imo State, and Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, with Orlu as the proposed capital.

Under the current plan reportedly favoured in Abuja, the new Anioma State would be created with Asaba as its capital, although officials say details could still change before final approval.

Timing Of Presidency‑Stakeholder Meeting Unclear

While it remains unclear when President Tinubu will meet with stakeholders on the matter, sources said such a meeting is expected after consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly, which is said to be broadly supportive of the idea.

Reacting to the latest developments, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and has championed the Anioma cause, expressed confidence that the agitation will soon bear fruit.

“This is a historic clamour that has never enjoyed this level of national attention and support. It is a golden opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger,” he said.

Nwoko also referenced support within the Senate for the proposal.

“The Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state and Ikwerre as the seventh. It is therefore not a coincidence that over 90 senators have declared their total support for the creation of Anioma State,” he added.