Senator Abdul Ningi’s Push for Independent Candidates Triggers Panic Among Dominant Political Parties

Senator Abdul Ningi declared that the South East must finally receive a sixth state, as the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Constitution Review unanimously adopted the proposal to correct years of geopolitical imbalance. He emphasized that the South East, with only Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, has been structurally short-changed compared to other regions with six or seven states. According to him, equity, fairness, and representational justice demand that the region be brought to equal footing in the Nigerian federation.

Senator Abdul Ningi insisted that the endorsement of the new state emerged after deep, exhaustive scrutiny during the committee’s rigorous two-day retreat in Lagos, where 55 state-creation proposals were evaluated. He maintained that the South East case stood out as the most compelling, both historically and constitutionally. His motion was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka of Ogun State, and its unanimous passage signaled rare national alignment on a long-contested structural issue.

Senator Abdul Ningi affirmed that the adoption of this motion is more than a political gesture — it represents a strategic move to stabilize Nigeria, calm age-long agitation, and strengthen national cohesion. He stressed that state creation in the South East is not merely a regional demand, but a constitutional necessity to guarantee parity across the geo-political zones and ensure a durable federal balance.

SENATOR ABDUL NINGI: INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES AND WOMEN’S SEATS APPROVED FOR NEW ELECTORAL ERA

Senator Abdul Ningi announced that the committee has also approved the inclusion of independent candidates in Nigeria’s electoral system, describing it as a transformative leap toward democratic expansion. He stated that Nigerians deserve the freedom to elect credible individuals outside the control of dominant political parties, and that the reform will deepen accountability while dismantling entrenched political monopolies.

Senator Abdul Ningi further revealed that one additional legislative seat has been approved for women in every state, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives. He argued that Nigeria cannot continue to sideline half of its population in lawmaking, and that structural inclusion is long overdue. The reform, he said, will amplify women’s voices, strengthen policy representation, and accelerate gender-balanced governance at the federal level.

Senator Abdul Ningi commended the leadership synergy of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, noting that their coordination ensured smooth deliberation and progressive outcomes. He remarked that the decisions reached by the committee will modernize Nigeria’s democracy, broaden participation, and align the constitution with global best practices.

SENATOR ABDUL NINGI: SUBCOMMITTEE INAUGURATED FOR NEW STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REQUESTS

Senator Abdul Ningi confirmed that the Joint Committee has now constituted a subcommittee to examine all pending requests for additional states and new local government areas across the six geopolitical zones. He stated that each state will be represented by one Senator and one House member to guarantee fairness, regional balance, and transparent evaluation procedures.

Senator Abdul Ningi explained that this subcommittee will conduct screenings, hold stakeholders’ sessions, and analyze viability indicators such as population size, economic potential, cultural coherence, and administrative feasibility. He pledged that only proposals that meet constitutional thresholds and national interest standards will be recommended for further legislative action.

Senator Abdul Ningi concluded that Nigeria may be entering its most significant constitutional restructuring era in decades, with state creation, independent candidacy, and women-focused legislative expansion forming the backbone of a new democratic chapter. He vowed that the committee will continue working until Nigeria’s federal structure reflects justice, inclusivity, and balanced representation for every region.