A former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has secured the Labour Party, LP, ticket to contest for Owerri Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking after receiving the party’s Certificate of Return as its flagbearer, Anyanwu-Akeredolu, expressed appreciation to the LP leadership for the confidence reposed in her.

She described her emergence as a significant milestone and a renewed call to service, noting that it comes with responsibility to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu explained that her candidacy presents an opportunity to deepen engagement with constituents and advance practical solutions to the developmental challenges affecting communities across Owerri Federal Constituency.

She emphasized that political leadership must remain service-driven and focused on delivering measurable impact, saying that her priority would be to listen closely to constituents and translate their concerns into legislative action.

The former First Lady also addressed her earlier withdrawal from the Imo East senatorial race, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and among stakeholders.

According to her, the move was taken to strengthen unity within the Labour Party and improve its chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

The LP flagbearer for Owerri Federal Constituency election noted that internal cohesion remains critical to the party’s progress, adding that collaboration among members is essential for electoral success and effective representation.

She added that leadership requires sacrifice and a commitment to collective goals, maintaining that her current political direction reflects a strategic choice aimed at better serving her constituency through focused legislative engagement.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu clarified that her decision to contest for the House of Representatives does not diminish her political vision but rather aligns it more closely with the needs of her constituency.

She also used the occasion to outline her agenda, which include youth empowerment, job creation and expansion of digital skills training, among others.

Low voter turnout was recorded in parts of Zuru town, Kebbi State, as voting commenced in the Zuru State Constituency by-election on Saturday.

The by-election is being conducted to elect a new member to represent Zuru State Constituency in the Kebbi State House of Assembly following the death of the Speaker, Mohammed Usman Zuru, who represented the constituency until his death on April 6.

According to information obtained by DAILY POST, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at some polling units were seen waiting for voters to arrive and cast their ballots.

At Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in the Rafin Zuru community, INEC officials were reportedly idle as they awaited the arrival of voters.

Low turnout was also observed at several polling units visited across the area.

Residents in Zuru town were seen going about their normal business activities, with shops, filling stations and other commercial centres remaining open.

At Mango Waje Polling Unit in the Manga area of Zuru town, voting commenced at about 9:14 a.m., with only a few voters on the queue at the time of observation.

As of 9:31 a.m., some INEC officials had yet to arrive at their designated polling units, while others were reportedly awaiting further instructions before proceeding to their assigned locations.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has cast his vote at Polling Unit 1, St. David Primary School, Afao-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

Speaking with journalists shortly after voting, Fayose expressed confidence in the chances of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, declaring that the incumbent governor was on course for victory.

According to the former governor, prevailing political developments and the mood among residents indicated strong support for Oyebanji across the state.

“Oyebanji has already won the election,” Fayose said.

“If you look at the state of things in the state and the body language of the people, I am predicting an overwhelming victory for him,” he added.

Voting commenced in several polling units across the state amid the presence of security operatives and electoral officials supervising the exercise.