There are growing indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the creation of just one additional state, once constitutional and legislative requirements are concluded by the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Multiple sources in Abuja disclosed on Friday that Anioma State is currently the only proposal receiving serious consideration at the highest levels of government.
The proposed state, advocates argue, would help address long-standing concerns of political marginalisation within the South-East, which remains the only geopolitical zone with just five states.
According to sources familiar with the ongoing discussions, consultations among political leaders, ethnic groups and regional stakeholders have reached an advanced stage. Much of the engagement has focused on the debate over whether Anioma should be formally recognised as part of the South-East or retained within the South-South.
The renewed attention follows sustained advocacy by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and has called for a united Igbo position in support of Anioma’s creation as the sixth South-East state.
“The South-East has remained structurally disadvantaged in the federation for decades,” a source close to the Presidency told Vanguard. “Creating Anioma State is seen as a corrective step that promotes balance, equity and fair representation.”
However, resistance has emerged from some groups in Delta State, who insist that Anioma should remain within the South-South geopolitical zone. They argue that carving out Anioma as a South-South state would raise the region’s number of states from six to seven.
Despite these objections, presidency insiders insist that Anioma remains the most viable proposal under consideration.
“One thing is clear: of all the state creation requests on the table, only Anioma is being actively reviewed,” another senior source said. “The President is weighing all arguments, but he is particularly mindful of the grievances expressed by Ndigbo.”
The source also dismissed agitation for an alternative proposal known as “Anim-Oma State”, which seeks to merge parts of Delta, Imo and Anambra States with Orlu as its capital.
“That option is not under serious consideration,” the source said. “The focus is squarely on Anioma State.”
Under the plan reportedly favoured in Abuja, Asaba would serve as the capital of the new state, although officials cautioned that final details could still evolve.
While no date has been fixed for a formal meeting between President Tinubu and key stakeholders, sources said discussions are expected to follow further consultations with National Assembly leadership, which is said to be largely supportive of the proposal.
Reacting to the developments, Senator Ned Nwoko expressed optimism that the long-standing agitation would soon be realised.
“This is a historic struggle that has never enjoyed this level of national attention,” Nwoko said. “What we are witnessing now is a rare opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their brothers and sisters across the Niger.”
He also cited growing legislative backing for the proposal.
“The Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state,” Nwoko noted. “It is therefore significant that more than 90 senators have openly declared their support for the creation of Anioma State.”
