***Introduces Canvassers to Expand Grassroots Participation Ahead of Elections
The Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives in Owerri Federal Constituency, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has inaugurated polling agents and grassroots mobilisation teams in Orji, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, as part of efforts to strengthen the Ada Owere political movement.
The inauguration, held on Monday, November 9, 2026, witnessed an impressive turnout of party faithful, community leaders, coordinators and supporters who gathered to identify with the movement and pledge their commitment to its political objectives.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu commended the Orji Coordinator, Mr Chidi Okpom, for his commitment to rebuilding the Labour Party’s grassroots structure in the community, despite not being a career politician.
She described his dedication, organisational ability and commitment to the party as commendable, noting that his longstanding relationship with her had helped foster mutual trust and cooperation.
The Labour Party candidate also praised the cordial working relationship between Okpom and the Ward Chairman, stressing that unity, teamwork and mutual respect were essential to building a formidable political structure.
She explained that the inauguration was part of a deliberate strategy to establish an effective grassroots network with adequate representation at every polling unit.
According to her, electoral success goes beyond political slogans and requires proper organisation, mobilisation, commitment and vigilance.
She urged the newly inaugurated polling agents to familiarise themselves with electoral procedures and understand their responsibilities, particularly in protecting the integrity of the voting process.
She also charged members of the Boots on the Ground team to sustain engagement with residents, mobilise support and maintain the movement’s presence across communities beyond election day.
A major highlight of the event was the introduction of a new category of grassroots operatives known as Canvassers, following the decision of Anyanwu-Akeredolu to accommodate women who had turned out enthusiastically but were not covered by the initial arrangements.
She explained that while the number of polling agents was determined by the polling units in Orji, the Boots on the Ground category had initially been designed for men.
Rather than leave the women without defined responsibilities, she created the Canvassers category to provide them with an organised platform to participate in voter engagement and grassroots mobilisation.
With the addition, the Ada Owere movement now has three categories of operatives: Polling Agents, Boots on the Ground and Canvassers.
All three groups were formally inaugurated after taking their respective pledges of commitment.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu described the development as a demonstration of the movement’s commitment to inclusion and participation, adding that every willing supporter should have an opportunity to contribute to its growth.
She further emphasised that the responsibility of the teams was to operate peacefully and lawfully, protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that every valid vote counts.
The former Ondo State First Lady said the inauguration marked the beginning of a sustained grassroots engagement process that would be driven by discipline, accountability, loyalty and continuous interaction with the electorate.
She expressed satisfaction with the turnout and enthusiasm at the event, while appreciating Okpom, the Ward Chairman, coordinators, party faithful and other supporters for their contributions to its success.
She said the movement was focused on building a sustainable political structure through collective participation, adding that its strength would depend on the commitment of members at the ward, polling unit and community levels.
“Ada Owere is not just a candidacy; it is a grassroots movement. And we are building it together, one ward, one polling unit and one community at a time,” she said.
