I Am Contesting Imo East Senatorial Race To Secure Victory-Akeredolu
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Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has declared her candidacy for the Imo East Senatorial District seat with the intention of securing victory this time.
She expressed her firm belief in her ability to provide quality representation to the district, driven by her conviction and love for the people.
During a press briefing held at her office in Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday, Dr. Akeredolu addressed critics who have urged her to abandon her electoral ambitions in her ancestral state of Imo.
She firmly stated that such thoughts should be dismissed, as marriage does not negate her roots, which she proudly embraces.
“They inquire about my origins and question my marital status. However, marriage cannot erase my heritage. My name is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and I cannot disregard the Anyanwu name, as it shaped my identity before marriage. My husband acknowledged my affection for the people of Emeabiam and respected it,” she explained.
She expressed that quality representation is essential for Ndi Owerri at present and declared her commitment to improving the welfare of the people upon her election to the National Assembly.
She stated, “I am proud of my heritage and have the best intentions for my people. I am not here to deprive anyone of their benefits. What Ndi Owerri requires is quality representation, which I am prepared to offer. I am satisfied with my current possessions. Now is the time to deliver tangible benefits of democracy to my community.”
The former First Lady, who is running under the Labour Party (LP), highlighted the disconnect between National Assembly members and elected representatives at the state level, leading to duplication of efforts or overlapping responsibilities.
She stressed that senators should not engage in the provision of amenities such as town halls, which should be the duty of councillors or council chairpersons.
The advocate for gender equality pledged to introduce and ensure the passage of legislation on breast cancer awareness and affordable treatment if elected.
She noted that breast cancer is a significant cause of mortality among women in Nigeria, and unfortunately, many women lack adequate awareness about the disease or the necessary steps to take upon early detection.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu explained that her pursuit of elective office is driven by the belief that political office would provide her with greater opportunities to enhance the welfare of her people than her individual efforts through her foundation alone could achieve.
She advocated for increased female participation in politics, stating that her interest in the Labour Party was primarily due to Senator Nenadi Usman, a woman serving as the national Chairperson.
She pledged to collaborate with others to resolve the leadership crisis affecting the Labour Party.
Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu initially contested for the Imo East Senatorial seat in the year 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She held the position of First Lady of Ondo State from 2017 to 2023.
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