***Says Candidate’s Quality Should Trump Party Label
Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives in Owerri Federal Constituency, Imo State, has called for increased representation of women in elective positions and urged voters to look beyond political party affiliations when assessing candidates.
She expressed these views while reflecting on contributions made by a caller during her interview on ECHO FM, Owerri, on October 19, 2026.
The caller had argued that more women were needed in elective offices to champion women’s interests, a position Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu said aligned with her convictions. The caller also observed that voters were increasingly looking beyond party affiliations to assess candidates on their individual merits.
Responding to these points, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu stressed the importance of women’s participation in decision-making, particularly in the formulation of policies and enactment of laws affecting women and girls.
She maintained that although men could advocate for women’s interests, more women needed to occupy elective positions to ensure that their experiences and perspectives were adequately represented in governance.
On candidate assessment, she said greater attention to individual candidates’ competence, credibility, integrity, experience and commitment to public service could create opportunities for candidates from smaller political parties who often face financial and structural disadvantages.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu said a democracy that prioritises the quality of candidates and promotes women’s representation would encourage informed electoral choices and people-centred governance.
