APC committed to Anioma State creation, says Oganah as he backs Nwoko for 2027

Prince Tonnie Oganah, Director of Media for the Anioma State creation movement, has said the realisation of the proposed Anioma State is linked to the return of Senator Ned Nwoko to the Senate in 2027.

In an interview, Oganah dismissed suggestions that the All Progressives Congress was using the Anioma State proposal as a political strategy to deceive the people.

He said the APC leadership had repeatedly demonstrated commitment to the project, noting that both former and current party chairmen publicly supported the proposal.

Oganah also pointed to the endorsement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom he described as supportive of both the Igbo nation and Senator Nwoko’s efforts.

“His untiring efforts will ensure that this 10th Senate and House of Representatives, working with the various state houses assembly will create the state and properly balance the federation because Anioma being a predominantly Igbo state will bring equity and unity to the Nigerian federation,” he said.

According to him, Anioma State remains the only state creation proposal in Igbo land that would strengthen the South-East by adding territory from the South-South without generating hostility from South-South communities.

“Of all the state requests in Igbo land, Anioma is the only one bringing value addition to the South-East from the South-South without any acrimony from South-South people, who are happy and relieved to see that we join our kith and kin,” he stated.

Oganah argued that the APC’s strong majority across federal and state legislatures makes the creation of additional states more achievable.

He also referenced political developments surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and reports involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking on the endorsement of Senator Nwoko by Izu Anioma, the umbrella socio-cultural body of Anioma people, Oganah said the decision reflected support for both Anioma State creation and Nwoko’s legislative record.

He said the proposed state would fulfil the dreams of past generations, improve opportunities for Anioma people and help address perceived marginalisation of the Igbo people.

“The Izu Anioma endorsed Ned because he stands head and shoulders above other contestants with his vision of empowerment of our people, liberation and life-more-abundant for not just Anioma people but also humanity at large,” he said.

Oganah highlighted several initiatives associated with Nwoko, including advocacy against malaria, welfare support for widows and unemployed persons, use of the naira as the only legal means of exchange and reforms related to rent payments.

He also listed projects and demands championed by the senator, including the Ukpai electricity project, completion of the Ogbawhu Uku water dam, construction of the coastal road in Abbi and dredging of the River Niger around Asaba and Onitsha.

“Ned is the most decorated federal legislator in Nigeria, and his colleague give him the position. So how can we have someone the whole world is applauding?” Oganah said.

He concluded by urging Anioma people to rally behind the state creation campaign and support Senator Nwoko’s re-election bid, arguing that past disagreements over Anioma identity had slowed progress toward the goal.

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