African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration contributed to the death of his mother.
Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, where he criticised the rising cost of living and the increasing price of medicines under the Tinubu administration.
The former Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation said his mother had been healthy before Tinubu assumed office but that the rising cost of medication later made it difficult for his family to provide the healthcare she needed.
“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” Amaechi said.
He argued that his family’s experience reflected a wider problem, saying many Nigerians were struggling to afford healthcare as economic pressures affected household finances.
Amaechi also questioned the broader impact of the government’s economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he has repeatedly criticised over its effect on living costs. During the interview, he linked the difficulty of purchasing medicines to the wider economic situation and cited government figures on spending on imported drugs.
“Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother,” he said, while arguing that other families were facing similar difficulties.
Amaechi’s comments came amid his broader criticism of the Tinubu administration as political activity intensifies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. The ADC formally selected him as its vice-presidential candidate alongside presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in June.
The politician has recently challenged the administration over the cost of petrol, healthcare and other living expenses. He has also said he would withdraw from the ADC ticket and campaign for Tinubu if petrol prices fell to ₦600 per litre.
His mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 at the age of 89 and was buried in Rivers State in September, according to reports.
