The ECOWAS Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Nigeria’s decision not to create a sixth state in the Southeast geopolitical zone. The case, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/23), claimed that the omission was discriminatory and deprived the region of key developmental benefits such as infrastructure, revenue allocation, and jobs, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). However, the court ruled that state creation falls under Nigeria’s constitutional prerogative and does not violate regional or international human rights laws. Presiding Judge, Justice Dupe Atoki, emphasized that the Southeast remains adequately represented in the country’s governance structure. It ruled, “The respondent state has not breached its obligations under Article 19 or Article 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights nor under Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” The NGO filed the suit under Article 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, arguing that the alleged imbalance violated Article 22 of the African Charter. Additionally, a Switzerland-based NGO, initially listed as a co-applicant, was removed from the case due to a lack of jurisdiction. The three-member ECOWAS Court panel was led by Justice Dupe Atoki, with Justice Edward Asante as judge rapporteur and Justice Gbéri-Bè Ouattara as a member.