Ex-Ondo First Lady Betty Akeredolu Joins LP, Eyes Imo East Senate Seat

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State and widow of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has officially defected to the Labour Party (LP).

In a formal announcement shared via her social media channels on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the gender activist confirmed her transition to the party in her home state of Imo and declared her intention to contest for the Imo East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections.

This move marks a significant political shift for the former APC chieftain, who previously withdrew from the 2023 senatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress citing internal irregularities.

The announcement coincided with her attendance at the National Executive Council (NEC) and stakeholders meeting of the Labour Party held in Abuja on March 17.

Describing the transition as "exhilarating," Anyanwu-Akeredolu lauded the party’s institutional commitment to gender inclusion and internal democracy.

She specifically highlighted the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Chairman of the LP, characterizing it as a transformational milestone in Nigeria’s political history.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu emphasized the structural advantages of her new political platform. She noted: "I wish to commend the Labour Party for the well-structured outline of positions across State, LGA and Ward levels. It reflects seriousness about inclusiveness and internal democracy."

Addressing the party's leadership, she stated: "For the first time, a major political party in Nigeria is under female leadership. This is not just symbolic—it is transformational. It provides evidence to our daughters that women can lead at the highest levels."

Beyond her declaration, Anyanwu-Akeredolu proposed a symbolic revision to the Labour Party’s visual identity.

She recommended the inclusion of a female child in the party’s "Papa, Mama, Pikin" logo to correct what she described as a male-centric depiction of the family unit.

She urged Nigerian women to join the party in large numbers, arguing that their "nurturing instincts" are essential for driving "compassionate, people-centered governance" across the federation.

The Labour Party leadership has welcomed the defection, viewing it as a validation of the party's growing appeal to established political figures seeking "transparent and inclusive" platforms.

As the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, the "Owerri Zone" contest is positioned to become one of the most high-profile senatorial races in the South-East.