Former Ondo First Lady Betty Akeredolu Endorses Peter Obi for 2027 Presidency
In a significant political development ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, Betty Akeredolu, the widow of former Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly declared her support for Peter Obi, the presidential hopeful and prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
'Obi or Nothing' Declaration
On Friday, January 30, 2026, Akeredolu took to X (formerly Twitter) to affirm her backing for Obi and the Obidient Movement, stating emphatically: "Obi or nothing." This declaration came during the official inauguration ceremony of the Obidients Movement in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area, where she was represented by her aide, Joseph Nwosu Okoire.
In her address, Akeredolu described the Obidients phenomenon as "both an enigma to Nigeria and a nightmare to politicians who wish to preserve the status quo", criticizing what she termed a system characterized by poor infrastructure, food insecurity, abuse of office, human rights violations, insecurity, corruption, impunity, and widespread hardship.
"I proudly declare that I am Obidient. I stand firmly on Obi or Nothing, not as a slogan, but as an affirmation of values," Akeredolu asserted. She emphasized that Peter Obi represents the leadership Nigeria urgently needs, anchored on what she called the "3 Cs: Character, Competence, and Capacity."
Strategic Political Timing
Akeredolu's endorsement comes at a crucial moment within the ADC, as the party faces internal debates between supporters of Peter Obi and those of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding who should secure the party's presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. Since Obi joined the ADC in December 2025, his supporters have intensified calls for the party to zone its presidential ticket to the southern region and present him as its flagbearer.
This development adds substantial weight to Obi's political aspirations, particularly given Akeredolu's status as a former first lady and her connections within political circles across Nigeria.
Akeredolu's Own Political Ambition
In a parallel announcement, Betty Akeredolu officially informed the Obidients Movement of her intention to contest for the Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone) seat in the 2027 elections. Introducing herself as Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (Ada Owere 1), she highlighted her credentials as a retired public servant, development advocate, entrepreneur, and politician.
The 72-year-old aspirant stated: "Owerri Zone deserves leadership that delivers tangible results. I bring over four decades of practical experience spanning advocacy, enterprise, philanthropy, and policy — combining grassroots engagement with evidence-based solutions."
She concluded with a rallying cry: "Together, let us build a new Owerri zone. Together, let us build a new Imo. Together, let us build a new Nigeria."
Broader Political Context
This endorsement occurs against a backdrop of increasing political realignments and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has emerged as a significant platform for opposition figures, with both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar's supporters vying for influence within the party structure.
Akeredolu's dual announcements—supporting Obi's presidential bid while pursuing her own senatorial ambition—demonstrate the interconnected nature of political movements in Nigeria, where endorsements often come with reciprocal expectations and shared political fortunes.
The former first lady's declaration is particularly noteworthy given her late husband's political legacy in Ondo State and her own established profile as a development advocate. Her alignment with the Obidient Movement signals growing momentum for Peter Obi's political project, which continues to attract diverse supporters across Nigeria's political spectrum.
