The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, following his claim that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration contributed to difficulties his family faced in treating his late mother.

Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, made the comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He said his mother was healthy before Tinubu assumed office but that the rising cost of medicines subsequently made it difficult for his family to afford the drugs she needed.

Why Nigerians Should Link Bank And Pension Accounts To Their Wills – Seedwills CEO

“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 also argued that his family’s experience reflected the wider hardship facing Nigerians, particularly the difficulty many people now face in paying for healthcare. He criticised the administration’s economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, and said he would resign if an ADC administration failed to produce noticeable changes within one year of taking office.

Reacting in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described Amaechi as a “loafer,” “aimless” and “irresponsible,” while questioning his suitability to serve as Vice President.

The ruling party said Amaechi had spent decades occupying senior public offices, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation. It questioned how he could claim to be unable to provide for his family after leaving public office.

“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 APC said.

The party further accused Amaechi of seeking the vice-presidential position in 2027 in order to return to what it described as dependence on public resources.

“The presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi,” the APC said, adding that “no one can speak more to Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of Vice President than Rotimi Amaechi himself.”