The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Vice Presidential candidate, describing him as a "loafer" who has failed to remain productive outside public office. APC's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, issued a statement on Sunday, expressing condolences over the death of Amaechi's mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, while mocking Amaechi over his recent comments.
Amaechi, a former two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, and two-term Minister of Transportation, is currently the Vice Presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 general elections. The APC statement jokingly prayed that Amaechi would find employment capable of providing enough income to cater for himself and his family. The party also questioned Amaechi's fitness for the office of Vice President, citing his inability to be productive outside public office.
The statement reads: "We also pray for excellent health of mind and body for her son, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi... who could not afford medications for his mother’s treatment." The APC expressed surprise that Amaechi, who had access to public office for four decades, is now struggling financially and unable to afford basic necessities.
The APC highlighted Amaechi's recent comments about being unable to afford medications for his late mother, which he claimed contributed to her death at 89. The party contrasted this with Amaechi's past, when he had access to public office and was able to afford medications for himself and his family.
The party described Amaechi as someone who has grown accustomed to "leeching on the public treasury" and accused him of being "aimless and irresponsible" for his inability to be productive outside public office. The APC also questioned Amaechi's request for Nigerians to make him vice president in 2027, suggesting that he wants to continue his previous lifestyle.
The APC emphasized that "the presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi." The party's statement concluded that Amaechi's own words demonstrate his unfitness for the office of Vice President.
The development has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some Nigerians expressing sympathy for Amaechi's situation, while others have criticized him for his perceived lack of responsibility. The 2027 general elections are expected to be highly competitive, with various candidates vying for the top positions.
Key points
- APC criticizes Amaechi's ability to be productive outside public office
- Amaechi's comments on inability to afford mother's medication spark controversy
- APC says presidency is not a "soup kitchen" for individuals like Amaechi
