By Lucy Ezeliora
In what is being hailed as a turning point in Delta State’s political trajectory, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has publicly endorsed the creation of Anioma State, declaring it a “done deal” backed by the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alhaji Ganduje made the declaration during a high-profile rally held in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, where thousands of supporters and defectors welcomed a delegation of APC heavyweights. Among them were Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC Board; and Senator Ned Nwoko, the leading proponent of the Anioma State movement.
The rally marked a significant political shift, as scores of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Delta United Group (DUG) defected to the APC in what was described as a wave of renewed faith in the ruling party’s leadership and vision.
In his speech, Ganduje assured the Anioma people that the APC is fully committed to the creation of Anioma State.
“I bring you assurances from President Tinubu, our governors, the National Assembly, and the entire APC structure—Anioma State is no longer a dream, it is a done deal,” he said.
He emphasized the move as a step toward national unity, equitable development, and correcting historical imbalances, especially in Delta North.
The endorsement has been seen as a significant win for Senator Ned Nwoko, whose persistent advocacy for the new state has gained national traction. Nwoko has led the charge through grassroots mobilization, legislative engagement, and strategic alliances across party lines.
Senator Nwoko, who recently left the PDP to join the APC, addressed the crowd with optimism, stating that the creation of Anioma State will bring development, representation, and justice to the people of the region.
“For the first time, Anioma has come this far in the fight for statehood. With Anioma State, we will have our own governor, our own senators, and increased federal presence,” he said.
He highlighted the broader implications, including job creation, infrastructure development, and increased federal allocations.
“This is about giving our youths a future—more schools, better roads, hospitals, and greater opportunities,” Nwoko added.
According to the Senator, the proposal has already gained support from influential national figures, including the President, members of the Senate, and other stakeholders across Nigeria.
“The leadership of this country recognizes the importance of this cause. They’ve told us: push from your end, and we will help you get it through,” he said.
Calling for unity among the Anioma people and stakeholders across Delta, Nwoko clarified that the push for Anioma State is about development—not division.
“We want a state where our people can thrive and contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
He also revealed that over N30 billion worth of federal projects have been approved for Anioma, many of them facilitated through his efforts.
These include a N7 billion initial investment in the long-abandoned Ogwashi-Uku Earth Dam and ongoing federal road projects such as the Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Agbor-Obiaruku-Abraka Road, supported by the NDDC.
Nwoko’s defection to the APC has not only boosted the party’s strength in Delta State but also dismantled what he described as the PDP’s long-standing political hold on the region.
