“It is unfortunate that Eduko State was excluded,” Ndarani lamented. The Confab deemed it fit, yet it has vanished from the list. Why? This raises serious questions. It is evident that this is an act of marginalization against the Nupe people.”
— Ndarani, SAN
… Senior Advocate Ndarani Demands Justice for the Nupe People
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
For decades, the Nupe people have nursed a dream—the creation of their own state, a home carved out of the vast expanse of Niger State and surrounding regions where they have thrived for centuries. That dream, once acknowledged in national conversations and even endorsed by the 2014 National Conference, now stands in jeopardy. The recently released list of 31 proposed new states by the House of Representatives’ Constitutional Review Committee conspicuously omits Eduko State, reigniting age-old concerns of marginalization.
At the forefront of the outcry is Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, who views the exclusion as more than just an administrative oversight. To him, and to millions of Nupe people across Nigeria, this is a calculated marginalisation and political move—a decision that sends a message that their voices, their struggles, and their aspirations do not matter.
The fight for Eduko State is not new. It dates back to earlier demands for Ndadume and Edu states, which were met with bureaucratic hurdles and political roadblocks. However, in 2014, the National Conference recognized the legitimacy of the cause, recommending the creation of Eduko as a means to correct historical imbalances and foster regional development.
Yet, when the House of Representatives unveiled its proposed list of 31 new states, Eduko was missing—erased from consideration without explanation.
“It is unfortunate that Eduko State was excluded,” Ndarani lamented. “The Confab deemed it fit, yet it has vanished from the list. Why? This raises serious questions. It is evident that this is an act of marginalization against the Nupe people.”
Niger State, from which Eduko is to be carved, is Nigeria’s largest state, spanning over 76,000 square kilometers—bigger than the entire southeastern region. Despite its size and economic potential, no new state has ever been created from it, unlike other states that have been split multiple times.
Eduko is envisioned as a multi-regional state, bringing together Nupe-speaking communities from Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. Rich in solid minerals and agricultural potential, its viability as an independent state is unquestionable. More importantly, it would serve as a long-overdue recognition of the Nupe people’s contributions to Nigeria’s history and development.
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review claims that many of the 30 applications for new states, including Eduko, failed to meet constitutional requirements. Ndarani, however, strongly disagrees.
“If Eduko State met all the necessary conditions under Section 8 (1), (2), and (3) of the 1999 Constitution, why was it excluded?” he asked. “Could it be that political considerations outweighed fairness and justice?”
The Nupe people, feeling betrayed and sidelined, suspect foul play. Many believe their exclusion was premeditated—part of a larger strategy to keep them politically subdued.
Ndarani is not backing down. He is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene and address this glaring injustice.
“President Tinubu understands political strategy and fairness. If he truly embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda, then the hope of the Nupe people must not be crushed under the weight of political expediency,” he declared.
History has shown that political exclusion breeds unrest. When people feel marginalized, resentment festers, and calls for self-determination grow louder. The Federal Government must recognize that state creation is not just a political issue—it is a necessity for national unity and stability.
Leaving the Nupe people out of the state creation process would not only deepen their sense of alienation but could also set a dangerous precedent for other ethnic groups that feel similarly neglected.
The exclusion of Eduko State from the proposed list is a painful reminder that justice is not always given freely. But the Nupe people have made it clear—they will not be silenced.
“We will take this matter to court if necessary,” Ndarani warned. “Eduko State is not just a demand; it is a necessity. And we will not rest until justice is done.”
The question remains: will the government listen? Will President Tinubu and the National Assembly rise above politics and right this wrong? Or will the Nupe people’s dream remain just that—a dream?
Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and its decision today will define its commitment to fairness and justice for all.
