The University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Owerri Branch, and the Yoruba Campaign Council, an affiliation of the Yoruba Community in Southeast, have endorsed former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, for the 2027 House of Representatives’ seat for Owerri Federal Constituency.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, popularly known as Ada Owere I, announced this while addressing members of the UNAA Owerri Branch during their monthly meeting in Owerri.
She formally informed the alumni of her decision to contest for the House of Representatives seat under the platform of the Labour Party, having secured the party’s ticket for the election.
The House of Representatives hopeful commended the association for embarking on the construction of an Alumni Centre, describing it as a landmark project that would enhance the visibility, prestige and enduring legacy of the University of Nigeria.
She commended the branch’s unique tradition of sharing kola nuts according to graduation years and making voluntary contributions.
The former First Lady recounted her political journey and explained the strategic decision to step down from her senatorial ambition to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives.
Her vision was warmly received by the gathering, with members applauding her resolve and foresight for public service.
She reiterated that her mission remained unchanged irrespective of the legislative chamber she eventually serves in, emphasizing commitment to champion increased women’s participation in politics and governance.
She said, “My goal is to champion increased women’s representation in elective positions and serve as a role model to women and girls by demonstrating that leadership is gender-neutral. Women can lead, excel and make meaningful contributions to governance and national development,” she said.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu further pledged to pursue community development through “compassionate, courageous and purposeful leadership anchored on experience, credibility, competence and an unwavering commitment to service.”
In a unanimous decision, members of the alumni association moved a motion endorsing her candidacy and adopted her as their preferred candidate for the Owerri Federal Constituency seat in the National Assembly in 2027.
Four members of the association were immediately appointed into her campaign organisation to support her bid and keep the association updated on campaign activities.
They stressed the need to elect individuals with the intellectual capacity to improve governance and lawmaking. “We need to elect people whose intellectual input will drive the quality of legislation and help us do things better,” the president stated.
Similarly, representatives of the Yoruba Campaign Council paid a solidarity visit to Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu and declared their support for her aspiration. The delegation described her as “their wife” and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure her emergence as the next representative of Owerri Federal Constituency.
Members of the delegation took turns to recall the virtues of her late husband and former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, fondly called Aketi. They praised his courage, compassion and commitment to the welfare of his people, particularly his role in establishing the Amotekun Security Network to tackle insecurity.
The Yoruba leaders expressed confidence that Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu would uphold the same values of service, integrity and dedication in representing the people of Owerri Federal Constituency. They assured her of their bloc votes in 2027 and appealed to her to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach all segments of the constituency, including members of the Yoruba community residing in Owerri.
Responding, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu assured the delegation that her representation would be inclusive, people-oriented and development-driven. “I will not disappoint you. Every constituent will have a stake in the progress and prosperity of Owerri Federal Constituency,” she pledged.
