Uzodimma Locked My 2023 Dream in Chains, But This Time We’ll Break Every Padlock — Akeredolu

 

According to report by The Sun on October 11, 2025, former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has reignited her political ambition with a fiery declaration aimed at Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Owerri, Akeredolu revealed that her 2023 bid for the Imo East (Owerri Zone) Senatorial seat was allegedly “locked up” by political powers loyal to Uzodimma. But now, she says, the time has come to “break every padlock.”

“What I was pursuing in 2023, Hope Uzodimma locked it up. This time, we’ll destroy the padlock and open the way,” she declared boldly.

The widow of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu explained that after a year of mourning, she is ready to return to active politics and fight for proper representation of the people of Owerri Zone, whom she described as victims of poor leadership.

“Owerri Zone has been unlucky. Our representatives are mere benchwarmers in the National Assembly. Enough of wheelbarrow and sewing machine empowerment,” she lamented.

Dr. Akeredolu highlighted her ongoing community development efforts in Emeabiam, her hometown, where she has built a police post, rehabilitated local roads, and empowered women and youths through training and employment support.

Despite being married outside her state, the outspoken advocate emphasized her deep connection to Imo, saying marriage should never be a barrier to serving one’s people.

“Being married outside Imo doesn’t erase my roots. My blood is Imo, my heart is Imo,” she stated passionately.

A strong supporter of women and youth empowerment, she also runs the BRECAN and Bemore Empowered Girls Foundation, mentoring hundreds of young women across Nigeria.