Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State and widow of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly declared her support for Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections. Her endorsement, made in a post on social media, adds a new dimension to the political landscape as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to intensify. This is particularly significant as Akeredolu remains a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party her late husband belonged to.
In her post on X, formerly Twitter, Anyanwu-Akeredolu stated, “I stand with Peter Obi,” and praised the former Anambra State Governor’s pledge to serve only a single four-year term if elected president. She argued that this commitment is exactly the kind of transformative leadership Nigeria urgently needs to escape its current challenges. She likened Obi’s vow to the bold and purposeful approach of Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, whose reforms laid the groundwork for his country’s modern economic success.
Her endorsement is not just a personal preference but a politically charged statement. By aligning herself with Peter Obi and his reform-focused agenda, she is sending a message that she believes the path to national progress lies outside of the current ruling party. Her support could potentially influence other members of the APC who are dissatisfied with the party’s direction, making this an early but significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
