President Bola Tinubu has been called upon to address the controversies surrounding the primary elections that could jeopardize Senator Ned Nwoko's return to the Senate in the 2027 elections. The media director of the Anioma State creation movement, Tonnie Oganah, warned that the dream of establishing Anioma State might be lost if Nwoko's re-election bid remains under threat.
Background on the Anioma State Creation
Oganah, in a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, expressed concern that the aspiration for a new state could be delayed due to divisive and unpatriotic politics. He emphasized that the proposal for Anioma State's creation is at a critical juncture and urged President Tinubu to ensure justice in the disputed primary election.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, failed to secure his return ticket in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. He lost to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who recently joined the APC alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori amid the leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nwoko's Role in the State Creation Movement
Nwoko, a first-time senator, won his seat on the PDP platform but could not defeat Okowa in the APC primary. In the Senate, he gained recognition for advocating the creation of Anioma State, a cause that reportedly gained significant momentum. However, many influential figures in the senatorial district reportedly oppose categorizing the region as part of the South East.
Public Reactions to the Threat
The news of the potential threat to Anioma State's creation has elicited varied reactions from Nigerians. Below are some comments:
- Gabriel Unwaba expressed skepticism, stating, "Does Ned Nwoko hold the keys to the creation of Anioma State? Do not be deceived. No one man can create a state. That is how politicians mislead their constituencies just to remain in the Senate."
- Barryleo criticized Nwoko, saying, "Make them no create anything jare, Ned wey supposed don retire since. Make we see how him go take dey marry small small girls again."
- Agu Kanayochukwu argued against a new state: "36 states + FCT is still underperforming, and they want to add an extra state? It's not important."
- BOD35141 emphasized that Anioma State should not be tied to Nwoko: "Anioma State is a 70-year collective dream of our people, not a personal project tied to one Senator's re-election. Tying its success to Ned Nwoko's return is emotional blackmail, not strategy. If the bill is genuine, it should outlive any individual's political ambition."
Related Developments
In a similar context, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma secured the APC Imo West senatorial district ticket for the 2027 elections. His senatorial bid has been controversial as his gubernatorial tenure runs until January 2028, seven months after the 11th Senate is inaugurated. Barrister Misbau Lateef criticized the governor, noting that his constituency would be denied representation if he does not resign to join the Senate.
