Political Firestorm: Wike, APC Unleash Fury On Amaechi Over Mother's Death Claims

Rotimi Amaechi, the former Rivers State Governor and current vice-presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has sparked significant political controversy following his claims that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration contributed to his mother's death. Amaechi asserted during an interview on Channels Television's "Politics Today" that "Tinubu's policies killed my mother," stating that his mother, Ezinne Amaechi, was healthy before 2023 but that after the administration took office, rising costs made it difficult to afford her necessary medications. His mother died on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89.

These allegations have drawn sharp rebukes from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, intensifying the political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The All Progressives Congress, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, initially offered prayers for the repose of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi and for Rotimi Amaechi's health. However, the party swiftly turned its attention to mocking Amaechi over his reported financial woes. The APC questioned his suitability for the vice-presidential position, describing him as a "loafer" outside public office. The statement sarcastically prayed that employers in Amaechi’s hometown of Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area, would find him suitable for a job providing sufficient income for his family and medications, given his reported inability to afford his late mother's treatment.

The ruling party further referenced Amaechi’s previous complaints about being so "broke and hungry" that his wife was feeding him, contrasting this with his four decades of "freeloading" at the highest levels of public office as a two-term Speaker, two-term Governor, and two-term Minister of Transportation. The APC argued that for someone who had benefited immensely from government positions, it was "aimless and irresponsible" to be destitute just three years out of office. They accused Amaechi of seeking the ADC vice-presidential ticket merely to "leech on the public treasury" and maintain a "predatory lifestyle," emphatically declaring that the presidency is "not a soup kitchen" for individuals like him.

Adding to the criticism, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also vehemently attacked Amaechi for involving his late mother in political arguments. Speaking in Rivers State, Wike accused Amaechi of inappropriately using a deceased parent to campaign for political support. Wike highlighted Amaechi's extensive political career, spanning 24 years across various influential positions, questioning why someone with such a background could not afford his mother's medication or seek financial assistance from his wealthy network. He pointed out that Amaechi served eight years as Speaker, eight years as Governor, and eight years as Minister, yet claimed inability to buy drugs for his mother due to Tinubu's policies.

Wike further questioned Amaechi's claims by asking why his wife, described by Amaechi himself as an "industrialist," could not assist with the medical expenses. He also queried why the numerous prominent associates who reportedly flew in private jets to attend Amaechi’s mother’s burial did not offer assistance for her treatment while she was alive. The FCT Minister also took issue with a video in which Amaechi allegedly stated that his mother would only be happy if the ADC won the election, characterizing this as "descending so low" to use a loved one for political gain and to evoke pity.

Wike concluded his remarks by praying for Amaechi’s late mother, but not before challenging the credibility of Amaechi’s financial claims, urging the public not to accept that he was unable to afford medication despite his reported wealth and political connections, and referencing Amaechi's residences in Oji-Ami and Abuja. This latest exchange underscores the deep-seated and long-running political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, former allies who have become prominent political opponents in Rivers State and national politics.