By Lucy Ezeliora,
In what is being hailed as a pivotal moment in Delta State’s political history, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has thrown the full weight of the party’s leadership behind the creation of Anioma State, boldly declaring it a “done deal” backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC hierarchy.
Dr. Ganduje made this historic pronouncement during a major rally in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, where a large crowd of supporters and defectors gathered to welcome an influential delegation of APC leaders. Among them were Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC Board; and Senator Ned Nwoko, the frontline advocate for Anioma State.
The rally also signalled a major political realignment, as waves of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Delta United Group (DUG) officially joined the APC, citing renewed confidence in the party’s leadership and progressive agenda.
In his address, Ganduje reaffirmed the APC’s unwavering commitment to the Anioma cause.
“I bring you assurances from President Tinubu, our governors, the National Assembly, and the entire APC family—Anioma State is no longer a dream, it is a done deal,” Ganduje announced to thunderous applause.
He described the move as a crucial step towards fostering national unity, ensuring balanced development, and addressing historical imbalances, particularly in Delta North.
The endorsement marks a significant victory for Senator Ned Nwoko, whose relentless campaign for Anioma State has gained national momentum. Through grassroots mobilization, legislative action, and cross-party alliances, Nwoko has positioned the initiative at the centre of Nigeria’s political discourse.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, Nwoko expressed confidence that the long-cherished dream of Anioma State was finally within reach.
“For the first time, Anioma has come this far in the fight for statehood. With Anioma State, we’ll have our own governor, senators, and stronger federal presence,” he said.
He outlined the socio-economic benefits of statehood, including job creation, improved infrastructure, increased federal allocations, and enhanced opportunities for the youth.
“This is about building a better future for our children—more schools, better roads, modern hospitals, and opportunities to thrive,” Nwoko added.
The senator revealed that the proposal already enjoys solid backing from key national figures, including the President, Senate leaders, and stakeholders from across the country.
“The leadership of this nation understands what this means. They’ve assured us: push it from your side, and we’ll see it through,” he affirmed.
Nwoko called for unity among the Anioma people and Delta State stakeholders, emphasizing that the initiative is about growth and inclusion, not division.
“We seek a state where our people can thrive and contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
Highlighting the federal government’s increasing interest in the region, Nwoko disclosed that over N30 billion worth of federal projects had been secured for Anioma communities through his efforts. Notable among them is an N7 billion investment in reviving the Ogwashi-Uku Earth Dam and multiple ongoing federal road projects, including the Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Agbor-Obiaruku-Abraka Road, with support from the NDDC.
Nwoko’s recent defection to the APC has not only bolstered the party’s standing in Delta State but also challenged the PDP’s decades-long dominance in the region.
As the Anioma State movement accelerates, observers believe this landmark endorsement by the APC leadership could reshape Delta’s political landscape and redefine the path to the 2027 general elections.
