By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Imo State, Athan Achonu, has expressed strong support for the creation of Anioma State, arguing that it would address what he described as the political and geographical exclusion of many Igbo communities.
Achonu made this known during an interview with The Sun on Monday, April 13, 2026, where he weighed in on the ongoing debate over the creation of additional states in Nigeria’s South-East region.
According to him, a significant number of Igbo-speaking people currently reside outside the South-East geopolitical zone, particularly in parts of Delta State. He noted that advocates of Anioma State believe these communities should be integrated into the South-East to promote unity and ensure better political representation.
The former senator stated that the proposed state would help address longstanding concerns about marginalisation among Igbo populations living outside the core South-East states. He added that such inclusion would enhance coordination, drive development, and strengthen cultural identity among the people.
Achonu further argued that expanding the South-East through the creation of Anioma State could help correct perceived imbalances in Nigeria’s federal structure. He described the proposal as part of broader national conversations around equity, fairness, and unity among the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
He also suggested that the creation of Anioma State could serve as a foundation for integrating other Igbo communities spread across neighbouring states, including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Kogi.
“There are so many Igbos that are not accommodated in the South-East region presently. In fact, half of Delta State are Igbos who are supposed to be in the South-East. So that is why I support Anioma State,” Achonu said.
