2027: Akwete Women Reject Alex Otti, Declare Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election

…Praise First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s #2 billion boost to traditional Weaving

The Akwete Women Weavers of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State, including beneficiaries of the recent ₦2 billion economic empowerment support facilitated through the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, have  publicly distanced themselves from the Labour Party governor following his recent remarks rejecting Governor Hope Uzodinma’s position on South East support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

According to Mrs. Nneka Okorie, Coordinator of the Akwete Women Weavers Cooperative, no previous First Lady since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has demonstrated such practical commitment toward preserving the Akwete cultural heritage and empowering women economically.They emphasised that the Renewed Hope administration has shown genuine concern for women, artisans, and grassroots communities through policies and interventions designed to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive economic growth.

Akwete Women weaving communities renowned for their iconic traditional textiles, described Otti’s statement as “divisive and against the collective interest of Ndigbo,” accusing him of undermining efforts to align the region with the federal government for accelerated development, noting that Governor Otti’s rejection does not represent the aspirations of Akwete women or the majority of Igbo women who desire practical development over political rhetoric.”

The women particularly hailed the intervention of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment to empowering Akwete weavers with a massive N2 billion intervention fund aimed at modernizing the ancient craft, expanding market access, and empowering thousands of women in the value chain.

The fund, according to the women, will support training programs, acquisition of modern looms and equipment, establishment of weaving cooperatives, export facilitation, and infrastructure upgrades in Akwete and surrounding communities. This is seen as part of broader federal efforts to revive and commercialize indigenous industries in the South East.

The women declared their unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the 2027 presidential election
and further expressed solidarity with the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as well as the APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, on what they described as the need for the South East to adopt a united and strategic political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Akwete women’s position comes barely 24 hours after APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, berated Governor Otti for his media chat where he insisted that no governor, including Uzodinma, can speak for the entire South East on the 2027 presidential election.