African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that the economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu contributed to the death of his mother, claiming that the rising cost of living made it difficult for his family to afford her medication.
Amaechi made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, where he spoke about the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies on Nigerian households.
The former Minister of Transportation said his mother was in good health before Tinubu assumed office but that the economic situation subsequently made it increasingly difficult to purchase the drugs she needed.
According to Amaechi, the hardship caused by the administration’s policies affected his family’s ability to provide adequate medical care for his mother, despite his efforts to support her.
He stated that the removal of the petrol subsidy, which the Federal Government had presented as a measure to improve the economy and Nigerians’ living conditions, had instead increased financial pressure on many households.
“The policies Tinubu introduced are killing people. I lost my mother because of the policies. We have lost people. President Tinubu’s policies killed my mother,” Amaechi said.
He added: “Before Tinubu became President, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, when Tinubu came, it became difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I did the best I could in taking care of my mother.”
Amaechi’s comments have brought renewed attention to the economic consequences of the Tinubu administration’s policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the rising cost of essential goods and healthcare.
Bayo Onanuga Reacts to Amaechi’s Political Remarks
Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has reacted to Amaechi’s political position, expressing confidence that the ADC’s plan to defeat Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election will fail.
Onanuga maintained that Amaechi was aware of the challenges facing the opposition’s political ambitions, following the former Rivers State governor’s criticisms of the president and his administration.
The exchange comes amid growing political discussions surrounding the ADC and its preparations for the 2027 general election.
Amaechi Questions Atiku’s Electability Ahead of 2027
In a separate development, Amaechi had previously questioned the electability of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, arguing that success in party primaries does not necessarily translate into victory in a general election.
Speaking during an interview with Trust TV before becoming Atiku’s running mate, Amaechi argued that although Atiku had repeatedly secured presidential tickets through party primaries since 1992, he had not converted those victories into success in the presidential elections.
The former transportation minister maintained that winning a party’s nomination was different from securing the support required to win a general election.
Amaechi argued that electability should be a major consideration when political parties select their presidential candidates, adding that he hoped Atiku would lose a primary election for the first time.
His earlier remarks have resurfaced following his emergence as the ADC vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku, highlighting the political contrast between his previous assessment of Atiku’s electoral prospects and his current role on the opposition ticket.
Reacting to the resurfaced interview in a post on his official X account, Onanuga described Amaechi’s joint ticket with Atiku as a joke, expressing his belief that the opposition alliance would not succeed in defeating Tinubu.
The exchange reflects the political disagreements emerging ahead of the 2027 general election, as the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties prepare for another contest for the presidency.
Amaechi’s allegations about the impact of Tinubu’s economic policies and the subsequent reactions from the president’s camp have further intensified the political debate over the administration’s economic direction and the opposition’s prospects.