Former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Imo East Senatorial District seat under the Labour Party, promising credible leadership, effective representation, and people-oriented development for Owerri Zone.
Speaking during a meeting with Labour Party members in Owerri West Local Government Area at De Range Hotel, New Owerri, on Wednesday, the former First Lady said her aspiration was driven by service, responsibility, and the desire to give the zone stronger representation at the National Assembly.
Addressing party faithful, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, popularly known as “Ada Owere 1,” described Owerri West as her home and pledged to pursue leadership anchored on “experience, credibility, competence, and compassion.”
According to her, years of involvement in women empowerment, healthcare advocacy, youth development, and humanitarian service had equipped her with practical knowledge of the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
She highlighted the impact of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, which she said had trained thousands of young girls in ICT, solar technology, leadership, innovation, and digital skills, while also referencing the activities of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) in supporting cancer awareness and patient care.
The senatorial hopeful said leadership should be measured by tangible impact rather than political slogans or token gestures during election periods.
“The people know those who appear only during elections carrying bags of rice, sewing machines, grinding machines, wheelbarrows, and token gifts,” she said, stressing that credibility must be earned through consistent service and accountability.
Drawing from her 28-year career in the federal civil service, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she possesses the administrative experience and understanding of governance required to attract development projects and influence national policy decisions.
She questioned what South-East representatives had done while major infrastructure projects, including railway developments, were concentrated in other parts of the country.
The former First Lady also advocated stronger collaboration between elected representatives and state governments to attract federal presence and development projects to their constituencies.
Citing the example of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, she said effective representation should go beyond occupying political office to delivering visible projects and meaningful empowerment programmes for constituents.
She further maintained that marriage should not diminish a woman’s ancestral identity or political aspiration, insisting that she remains firmly connected to her roots in Emeabiam, Owerri West.
“As a 29-year breast cancer survivor, I understand pain, resilience, and the importance of hope,” she said, adding that compassion remains central to her leadership philosophy.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu called on party members and residents of Owerri Zone to support what she described as a collective movement for competent, compassionate, and impactful leadership.
She concluded by urging unity among the people, saying leadership must unite rather than divide society.
The declaration event attracted Labour Party members, supporters, women groups, youths, and political stakeholders from across Owerri West and neighbouring communities.
