The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concerns over Rotimi Amaechi's fitness for the office of Vice President, citing his inability to afford his mother's medical treatment and his current financial struggles. In a statement, the APC prayed for the soul of Amaechi's late mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, and wished her son good health. The party also expressed hope that Amaechi would find a suitable job in his hometown of Ubima, Rivers State.
Rotimi Amaechi, a former two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor, and former Minister of Transportation, has been struggling financially since leaving office. He recently revealed that his wife is now feeding him, and that he could not afford medications for his mother's treatment, which ultimately led to her death at 89. The APC has seized on these revelations to question Amaechi's suitability for public office.
According to the APC, Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office for four decades, never experiencing hunger or financial struggles while in office. However, just three years out of office, he has become destitute, unable to fend for himself and his loved ones. The party has accused Amaechi of having a "Peter Pan syndrome," implying that he is unwilling or unable to take responsibility for his own life.
The APC has also criticized Amaechi's bid for the vice presidency in 2027, saying that he is unfit for the office. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, signed the statement, which described Amaechi's request for Nigerians to make him vice president as a bid to continue "leeching on the public treasury" and maintaining a predatory lifestyle.
Morka argued that the presidency is not a "soup kitchen" and should not be used to support individuals who are unable to earn a living. He emphasized that Amaechi's own words and actions demonstrate his unfitness for the office of Vice President.
The APC's criticism of Amaechi comes as he prepares to contest the 2027 elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Amaechi has previously held several high-profile positions, including Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.
The party's statement has sparked a renewed debate about Amaechi's suitability for public office and his ability to lead. As the 2027 elections approach, Amaechi's opponents are likely to seize on his financial struggles and perceived lack of productivity outside of public office.
Key points
- Rotimi Amaechi's financial struggles and inability to afford his mother's medical treatment have raised questions about his suitability for public office.
- The APC has accused Amaechi of being a "loafer" who is unfit for the office of Vice President due to his reliance on public patronage.
- Amaechi's bid for the vice presidency in 2027 has been criticized by the APC, which argues that he is not equipped to lead.
