By Sandra Kenneth
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticized Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and current vice-presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following his comments regarding his financial struggles and the passing of his mother.
In a statement issued on Sunday by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the ruling party described the former Rivers State governor as overly dependent on public office, questioning his ability to sustain himself outside government patronage.
The criticism follows Amaechi’s recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he attributed the country’s prevailing economic hardship to policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu. During the interview, Amaechi stated that financial constraints severely hindered his ability to afford required medications for his late mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, prior to her passing at age 89.
Reacting to his remarks, the APC alleged that despite decades of service in high-profile public roles—including two terms as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two terms as Governor, and two terms as Minister—Amaechi claims to be in financial distress only three years after leaving 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 statement read. “Just three years out of office, he has become destitute, unable to fend for himself and his loved ones.”
The party further accused Amaechi of seeking the vice presidency in the upcoming 2027 general elections merely to rely on public resources once again, asserting that “the presidency is not a soup kitchen.”
While offering condolences over the passing of Amaechi’s mother, the APC maintained that the former governor’s admissions raise questions about his readiness for executive office outside the realm of government support.
