All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Rotimi Amaechi, vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over his claim that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration made it difficult for him to afford medication for his late mother.
Gatekeepers News reports that APC said the former Rivers State governor’s comments raised questions about his suitability for the office of vice-president ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi made the comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. He said the rising cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration affected his family’s ability to care for his mother, who died on July 16 at the age of 89.
“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” Amaechi said.
He added: “Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I know most of you won’t believe this.”
Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers State and later as minister of transportation, argued that the rising cost of healthcare had affected many Nigerians.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka expressed condolences over the death of Amaechi’s mother but subsequently criticised the former governor over his comments about his financial situation.
The ruling party recalled Amaechi’s previous comments that he had become financially constrained after leaving public office, including his claim that his wife had been feeding him.
The APC said it was ironic that Amaechi, after holding several public offices, now claimed he could not afford medication for his mother.
“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.
It added that Amaechi had become “destitute” only three years after leaving office and questioned his ability to earn a living outside government.
The APC further accused the ADC candidate of seeking the vice-presidential position in 2027 in order to return to access to public resources.
“The same Rotimi Amaechi now asks Nigerians to make him vice president come 2027 so he can continue leeching on public treasury and keep the predatory lifestyle he has grown accustomed to,” the party said.
“The presidency is not a soup kitchen, and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi.”
The party concluded that Amaechi’s own comments, in its view, raised questions about his suitability for the vice-presidential office.
