APC Chieftain Dismisses 12-State Approval List, Calls It a ‘Calculated Distraction’ Against Anioma State and Ned Nwoko

BY AUSTIN OYIBODE

Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ejiofor, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress APC in Delta state, has described as “deliberate misinformation” aimed at discrediting Senator Ned Nwoko and sabotaging the movement for the creation of Anioma State, reports that the Nigerian Senate has approved the creation of 12 new states.

Reacting to trending reports alleging Senate approval of a 12-state expansion, Chief Ejiofor said such stories reflect a “deep misunderstanding of Nigeria’s constitutional process” and are being weaponized for political purposes.

“That will show you the level of ignorance in circulation,” he said.

“There are constitutional processes for state creation. We just concluded the public hearing phase — no state has been created. We haven’t even entered the next legislative stage. So where is this list of 12 states coming from?”

He argued that the narrative of 12 newly created states is being used by political opponents to undermine the Anioma agitation, the only proposal, he says, that has gained broad grassroots and regional consensus.

“Among all the regions calling for new states, only Anioma has demonstrated overwhelming coordination, and community backing,” Ejiofor noted.

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“But because Senator Nwoko is leading the push, they fabricated this fake list to distract and discredit him. At the end of the day, they’ll ask, ‘Where is Anioma State on the list?’ That’s the whole game, it’s a calculated distraction.”

Ejiofor did not mince words, describing the narrative as a “stupid agenda” by political actors whose true intention is to isolate Anioma and attempt to frustrate Senator Nwoko’s advocacy.

“This isn’t about constitutional reform, it’s about attacking one man. Everything about their body language shows it’s Senator Nwoko they’re after. But Nwoko is too focused to be derailed by petty blackmail.”

Addressing rumors that Nwoko is pushing for Anioma state creation to launch a gubernatorial bid, Ejiofor said: “He has made it clear on several occasions: he is not interested in becoming a governor. He’s fighting for Anioma people not for himself, but for equity, justice, and inclusion.”

Senator Ned Nwoko has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to the Anioma cause, while calling for restraint and truth in national dialogue.

“Anioma State is not about me, it’s about giving the Anioma people the voice and dignity they deserve within the Nigerian federation,” Nwoko had said.”

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Investigation revealed that the Senate is still in the early stages of reviewing state creation proposals and that no final decision has been made.

The Nigerian Constitution outlines a rigorous process for creating new states — including support from two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly, two-thirds of state assemblies, and a successful referendum. While dozens of proposals have been submitted, none has yet passed all required stages.

Ejiofor called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and focused.

“Let’s separate truth from propaganda. Anioma deserves statehood, not because of who is leading it, but because it is long overdue.”