APC, ADC Clash over Amaechi’s Claims on Late Mother’s Medical Expenses

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have exchanged criticisms over comments by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi linking his late mother’s difficulty in accessing medication to rising costs under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Amaechi, the ADC vice-presidential candidate, had said in a television interview on Friday that the increasing cost of medicines made it difficult for him to obtain the drugs his mother needed before her death.

His mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, died on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89.

Reacting to the comments, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka accused Amaechi of making what the party described as an irresponsible statement and questioned his ability to earn a living outside public office.

The party referred to Amaechi’s previous positions as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of the state and Minister of Transportation, as well as his past presidential ambition.

The APC argued that Amaechi had spent several decades in public office and criticised him for allegedly relying on political positions rather than developing other means of livelihood.

The party also linked Amaechi’s comments to his current bid for the vice-presidency in the 2027 election, accusing him of seeking another public office.

In its statement, the APC initially expressed condolences to Amaechi over his mother’s death but subsequently criticised his comments on the cost of her medication and his political ambitions.

The ADC Presidential Campaign Council, however, rejected the APC’s response, saying the death of Amaechi’s mother and his family’s grief should not be turned into a subject of partisan attacks.

The council, through its Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, said Amaechi’s account of difficulties in obtaining medication should have been met with concern rather than political criticism.

Shaibu also accused the APC of dismissing the struggles of Nigerians facing rising costs of healthcare, electricity, transportation and other basic necessities.

The ADC campaign council argued that the focus should instead be on the economic and social conditions that make essential services difficult for many Nigerians to afford.

It also criticised the Tinubu administration over what it described as challenges involving infrastructure, electricity, security and the cost of living, maintaining that political parties should address these issues rather than trade personal attacks.

The two parties therefore remained divided over Amaechi’s comments, with the APC focusing on his record in public office and the ADC defending his account of the financial difficulties surrounding his mother’s medical treatment.