In a press briefing held at its Abuja office, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) rejected the House of Representatives’ proposal to create 31 additional states describing the move as a misguided political maneuver designed to distract citizens from Nigeria’s pressing economic and security challenges.

In addition, CHRICED criticized federal lawmakers for prioritizing political theatrics over addressing hyperinflation, rising unemployment, economic decline, and escalating insecurity. It warned that adding more states would strain national resources, increase the cost of governance, and deepen economic hardship rather than bring tangible benefits to citizens.

Instead of creating unviable states, CHRICED advocated for federal restructuring, including constitutional recognition of Abuja as the 37th state and a shift toward regional governance for greater efficiency. CHRICED summarized the move as a political strategy to rally support for the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections and called on citizens to remain vigilant against the dangers of a one-party system and to actively participate in holding leaders accountable.