Ex-First Lady Joins 2027 Race, Names New Party

Former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has declared her intention to contest the Imo East senatorial seat, dismissing concerns over her eligibility and reaffirming her roots in the state.

Speaking with journalists in Owerri on Saturday, the aspirant rejected criticisms questioning her origin and political ambition in Imo State.

Naija News reports that she said, “People ask where I come from and raise issues about my marital status. But marriage does not erase one’s heritage.

“My name is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. I cannot drop the Anyanwu. That name made me who I am before marriage.”

Akeredolu, who is seeking the ticket of the Labour Party, said her ambition was driven by the need to address what she described as a leadership gap in the district.

Sde declared, “What Ndi Owerri need now is quality representation, and I am ready to provide it.

“I am not coming to take from the people… This is about delivering the real dividends of democracy.”

The former First Lady also faulted what she described as a disconnect between federal lawmakers and grassroots governance, warning against duplication of responsibilities.

“Senators have no business building town halls. That is the responsibility of councillors and local government chairmen,” she said.

On her policy priorities, Akeredolu pledged to push for laws addressing breast cancer awareness and affordable treatment.

“Too many women are dying because they don’t know what to look out for or cannot afford treatment… This is an area where legislation can save lives,” she stated.

She explained that her return to partisan politics was motivated by a desire to make wider impact through public office.

“Through private initiatives, you can only do so much. But in public office, you can influence policy and touch more lives meaningfully,” she added.

Akeredolu also called for increased female participation in politics, noting that the party’s leadership influenced her decision.

“I believe in women stepping forward. That’s part of what drew me to this platform,” she said.

The former First Lady had previously contested the Imo East senatorial seat in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), but is now seeking a fresh mandate on the Labour Party platform.