Tinubu Set To Approve Just One New State — Insider Sources

There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the creation of only one new state after the National Assembly and State Assemblies complete the required legislative processes. According to Ireporter Online, Anioma State, a proposed state whose proponents say would 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 told Ireporter Online that consultations among key interest groups are at an advanced stage, particularly among those supporting and opposing the inclusion of Anioma within the South‑East geopolitical zone. The discussion 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, which currently has only five states, the fewest in the federation.

However, some groups in Delta State have opposed the idea of placing Anioma in the South‑East, arguing instead that it should be carved out of the South‑South geopolitical zone, increasing that region’s number of states to seven. Despite these competing views, sources close to the Presidency said Anioma State is the only proposal being seriously considered at this time.

“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South‑East region and Ndigbo in general,” one presidential source explained. The source added that President Tinubu is mindful of arguments on both sides but views Anioma as 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 address feelings of marginalisation expressed by Ndigbo,” the source said.

The Presidency source also dismissed ongoing agitation for an alternative “Anim‑Oma State,” a proposal combining 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. According to reports, under the current plan, Anioma State would have Asaba as its capital, though officials note details could still change before final approval.

While the timing of a meeting between President Tinubu and stakeholders remains unclear, sources told Ireporter Online that it is expected to occur after consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly, which is broadly supportive of the idea. Senator Ned Nwoko, a vocal supporter of the Anioma cause, expressed confidence that the agitation would soon yield results. “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, noting, “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.”