THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has attacked former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his claim that economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration made it difficult for him to afford medication for his late mother.
The APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Sunday, October 4, also questioned Amaechi’s suitability to serve as Nigeria’s vice president in 2027.
Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on October 2, blamed Tinubu’s economic policies for making it difficult for him to buy the drugs his mother needed before her death.
“Tinubu’s policies killed my mother. Before Tinubu came, my mother was healthy. After 2023, it was difficult for me to buy drugs for my mother,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi’s mother, Ezinne Amaechi, died on July 16 at the age of 89.
The ICIR reports that Amaechi has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration, particularly over the removal of the petrol subsidy and the resulting increase in the cost of living.
During the same interview, he challenged Tinubu over the price of petrol, saying he would withdraw as running mate to ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and campaign for Tinubu if petrol fell to N600 per litre.
He also described the 2027 election as a choice between “life and death,” with Tinubu representing what he called “the choice of death.”
The comments have since triggered criticism from officials and supporters of the ruling APC.
Reacting on Sunday, the APC mocked Amaechi over his alleged financial incapacitation since leaving public office.
The party prayed for the repose of his mother’s soul and wished Amaechi “excellent health of mind and body,” before questioning how he could have become unable to afford basic needs after spending over 20 years in public office.
“Rotimi Amaechi’s uncanny confessions must not be missed. First, he howled that he had become so broke and hungry that his wife was now feeding him. Now, he has stated that his inability to afford medications killed his mother at 89,” the party said.
Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.
The APC accused him of having “freeloaded at the highest levels of public office” for decades and questioned his ability to earn a living outside government.
“For four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office. He was never hungry and could afford medications for himself and his family,” the party said.
The party also linked its criticism to Amaechi’s 2027 ambition, saying his reported financial difficulties should raise questions about his suitability for the vice presidency.
Amaechi became the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate in June after the party announced him as Abubakar’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The party said his selection followed consultations with stakeholders and described the former governor as one of Nigeria’s experienced political leaders.
The ADC subsequently submitted the names of Abubakar and Amaechi to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M