Ned Nwoko’s defection and lawmakers’ push for new states

The Nigerian political arena has once again become a marketplace of ambitions, with lawmakers scrambling to create states like children fighting over a new toy.

Under the guise of “national development” and “equitable representation,” the real goal is far less noble—governorship ambitions wrapped in the delicate fabric of state creation.

Among the notable figures in this grand circus is none other than Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the Senate.

In recent times, Nwoko has made headlines, not because of his celebrity wife, Regina Daniels, but because of his recent political ambition.

News of Nwoko’s decision to defect had been making the rounds, until last week when he officially defected, submitting his defection letter to the Senate last Wednesday.

His letter read in part: “The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.

“If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.”

However, there is public view that Nwoko did not just defect to the ruling because of the crises in the opposition, but rather in pursuit of his governorship ambition in a yet-to-be-created Anioma State.

His bill, which has passed its first reading in the Senate, seeks to amend three sections of the 1999 Constitution to replace “36” with “37” to accommodate the new state, adding “Anioma” immediately after “Delta” in the list of states.

The proposed Anioma State would encompass the local government areas of Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani, with Asaba designated as the state capital.

Of course, this noble effort is purely selfless—if selfless means ensuring the creation of a personal empire where one can reign supreme.

In a turn of events that could rival the best Nollywood script, Nwoko’s political ambition appears to be causing turmoil on the home front.

Recent reports suggest growing tension between his wives, Leila and Regina Daniels, over the prestigious title of “First Lady in Waiting.”

Social media sleuths even uncovered a comment on Regina’s Instagram page, where a follower—whose husband sits comfortably in the House of Representatives—referred to her as “First Lady.” If that’s not foreshadowing, what else could it be?

But let’s not stop at Anioma; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South fresh off his bruising loss in the Ondo governorship primary, has now suddenly found a passion for state creation.

His recent proposal for the creation of a Coastal State, splitting the coastal region out of the existing Ondo State, is being pitched as a move for regional development.

However, skeptics argue that his loss in the primaries and the emergence of Monday Okpehbolo as Edo State governor might have inspired him to carve out a governorship position for himself—since he couldn’t win the already existing one.

The wave of state creation proposals has reached a fever pitch. No fewer than eight bills—three in the Red Chamber and five in the Green Chamber—are currently before the National Assembly seeking the formation of new states.

It appears lawmakers have discovered a simple formula: Can’t win in an existing state? Create a new one and become its pioneer governor!

Another notable proposal is the bill sponsored by Senator Kawu Suleiman Abdurrahman, representing the Kano South Senatorial District.

The bill seeks to create Tiga State from the current Kano State. Titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (Creation of Tiga State) Bill, 2024,” it aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the new state.

While Kawu has proposed the state creation, he has yet to openly declare (if there’s any) his quest to become the governor of Tiga State.

Another lawmaker who has joined the state-creation bandwagon is none other than Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

Kalu has been vigorously advocating for the creation of Bendel State, citing the need for better governance and regional balance.

But whispers in the corridors of power suggest that he, too, harbors a burning desire to be addressed as ‘His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bendel State’.

This could be a last resort if he’s unable to clinch the governorship ticket of Abia State.

After all, why remain a Deputy Speaker when you can upgrade to the number one citizen of a newly-minted state?

If history is any guide, the new states—should they come to fruition—will not bring the promised prosperity or development.

Instead, they will serve as fresh avenues for political godfathers to install their loyalists and expand their dynasties.

The real beneficiaries of these new states will not be the ordinary citizens but the political elite, who will get to dictate who runs what, distribute contracts, and secure their family’s generational wealth.

One might ask: How exactly does dividing a state magically improve governance?

If anything, Nigeria’s experience with state creation has shown that new states often inherit the same old problems—poor infrastructure, corruption, and mismanagement—only now with a fresh set of state officials to blame.

As the political gladiators gear up for their next move, it is becoming increasingly clear that state creation in Nigeria is not about development—it is about personal ambition.

And while the political class plots and schemes, the ordinary citizen continues to struggle with inflation, insecurity, and a failing economy.
Perhaps, instead of endlessly creating new states, lawmakers should focus on developing the existing ones efficiently.