Anioma State Now a “Done Deal,” Says APC National Chairman Ganduje
By Lucy Ezeliora
AGBOR/Nigeria: In a major political declaration that may redefine Delta State’s future, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has affirmed the party’s full support for the creation of Anioma State, calling it a “done deal” endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership.
Ganduje made the bold pronouncement at a packed rally in Agbor, Ika North East Local Government Area, where thousands of supporters gathered to welcome a powerful delegation of APC stalwarts. The entourage included Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); and Senator Ned Nwoko, the principal champion of the Anioma State movement.
“This is no longer a promise—it is a reality in motion,” Ganduje told the cheering crowd. “I bring you assurances from President Tinubu, our governors, the National Assembly, and the entire APC structure. Anioma State is a done deal.”
The rally also marked a dramatic political realignment, as key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Delta United Group (DUG) defected to the APC in a show of confidence in the ruling party’s leadership and direction. Political observers have described the mass defection as a watershed moment in Delta State politics.
Senator Ned Nwoko, who recently left the PDP for the APC, addressed the rally with renewed enthusiasm, saying the creation of Anioma State will mark the beginning of equitable development and political justice for the people of Delta North. “For the first time, Anioma has come this far. With our own state, we will have our own governor, our own senators, and increased federal presence,” Nwoko declared.
He emphasized that the proposed state will not only enhance representation but also catalyze infrastructure growth, education, healthcare, and job creation for the region. “This is about giving our youths a future—more schools, better roads, hospitals, and greater opportunities,” he added, noting that support for the project now cuts across political and ethnic lines.
Nwoko also revealed that over N30 billion worth of federal projects have already been secured for the Anioma region through his interventions, including a N7 billion revival of the long-neglected Ogwashi-Uku Earth Dam and ongoing federal road constructions such as the Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Agbor-Obiaruku-Abraka Road.
Calling for unity among all stakeholders, Nwoko reiterated that the agitation for Anioma State is driven by a collective desire for growth and national integration—not division. “We want a state where our people can thrive and contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress. The time is now,” he said.
