The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Rotimi Amaechi, vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over his claim that the Bola Tinubu administration’s policies contributed to the death of his mother.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Felix Morka, APC national publicity secretary, the party said Amaechi’s comments showed he was “unfit” to occupy the office of the vice-president.
The party began by praying for the soul of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, saying she should “continue to rest in perfect peace”.
It also prayed for the “excellent health of mind and body” of her son, while listing his previous positions as speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly, governor, and minister of transportation.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former governor of Rivers said the rising cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration made it difficult for his family to care for his mother before her death.
“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother. Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother,” Amaechi had said.
The APC said it was ironic that Amaechi, after occupying public office for decades, claimed he could not afford medication for his mother.
“He was never hungry and could afford medications for himself and his family. Just three years out of office, he has become destitute, unable to fend for himself and his loved ones,” the APC said.
The party also referred to an earlier comment attributed to Amaechi that he had become so broke that his wife was feeding him.
“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 APC said.
“For four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office.
“If Amaechi is not struggling with some kind of Peter Pan syndrome, then he must be a loafer, aimless and irresponsible for his inability to be productive and earn a living outside the patronage of public office.”
‘PRESIDENCY IS NOT A SOUP KITCHEN’
The APC also criticised Amaechi’s candidacy for the 2027 elections, alleging that he wants to continue benefiting from 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 APC said Amaechi’s own statements constituted evidence against his suitability for the vice-presidential position.
“There can be no better speaker of Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of vice president than Rotimi Amaechi himself,” the party said.