Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma pushes for two additional South-east states and constitutional support for a rotational presidency across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He also advocates for state police and inclusive citizenship rights.
Uzodinma Wants More States in the South-East for Equity
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has renewed the call for the creation of at least two additional states in Nigeria’s South-east region. He believes this move will promote fairness and speed up development in the zone.
Speaking at a constitution review hearing in Owerri, the state capital, Uzodinma said the South-east has been left behind for too long. The region currently has only five states — the fewest among all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
“This is a matter of equity,” Uzodinma posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. “I strongly believe that creating two more states will not only balance the structure of the federation but also drive development, especially if one of them lies within the oil-producing area.”
Why the South-East Wants New States
The South-east zone is made up of just five states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Other zones, like the North-west, have up to seven states. For years, South-east leaders have pushed for one more state, but Uzodinma is now demanding two.
The idea is not just about numbers. Leaders argue that having more states would mean more federal allocations, more political representation, and more opportunities for their people.
Interestingly, this demand is happening alongside discussions in the National Assembly about the possible creation of 31 new states across Nigeria. The South-east has five proposals among them.
However, history shows that no civilian government has ever created a new state in Nigeria. All existing 36 states were formed during military rule.
Uzodinma Calls for Rotational Presidency Among Zones
Governor Uzodinma also wants the Nigerian Constitution amended to support rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones.
He believes the current North-South power-sharing formula is outdated. “Zoning the presidency based on regions would promote inclusion and reduce political tension,” he said.
For many in the South-east, this is personal. The region is yet to produce a Nigerian president since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999. The closest attempt came in 2023 when Peter Obi, an Igbo man and Labour Party candidate, ran for president but came third.
Push for State Police and Citizenship Reforms
Aside from state creation and zoning, Uzodinma made other proposals during the constitutional review. One of them is the creation of state police, which he says would improve local security and reduce crime.
He also wants to revive an older system where Nigerians who have lived in a state for 10 years or more and maintained good conduct can be granted indigene status. According to him, this will promote national unity and reduce tribal bias.
Why This Matters
The South-east’s demands are not new. But Uzodinma’s bold push for two new states — instead of one — marks a strategic shift.
If accepted, the move could reshape Nigeria’s political map and potentially position the South-east for better inclusion at the federal level. It may also reignite discussions about Igbo presidency, a topic that remains emotional and politically sensitive.
Things to know
Q: Why is Governor Uzodinma asking for more states in the South-east?
A: Governor Hope Uzodinma says creating two additional states in the South-east will promote equity and speed up development in the region.
Q: How many states are in Nigeria currently?
A: Nigeria has 36 states. The South-east has the fewest, with only five states.
Q: What is rotational presidency in Nigeria?
A: Rotational presidency refers to the idea that Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones should take turns producing the president, to ensure fairness and inclusion.
Q: Has Nigeria ever created states during civilian rule?
A: No, all states in Nigeria were created under military regimes. Civilian governments have not successfully created new states.
Q: What is Uzodinma’s view on state police in Nigeria?
A: He supports the creation of state police to better tackle local security threats and protect lives and property.
Q: What is the indigene reform Uzodinma is proposing?
A: He wants people who live in a state for at least 10 years and have good conduct to be granted indigene status, promoting unity.
Q: What happened to the Igbo presidency push in 2023?
A: Peter Obi, an Igbo from the South-east, ran under Labour Party but lost the 2023 election, coming third.
