“Tinubu’s Policy Killed My Mother, She Was Healthy Before He Came — I Couldn’t Afford Her Drugs” — Rotimi Amaechi Blames President Tinubu For Mother’s Death

Former Minister of Transportation and ADC Vice Presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies for the death of his mother, saying she was healthy before Tinubu came into office but died because he could no longer afford her drugs.

Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress, ADC, Vice Presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has launched a scathing critique against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program with Seun Okinbaloye.

In a heated exchange, Amaechi argued that Nigerian voters face an existential choice ahead of the 2027 presidential election, claiming that the current administration’s economic reforms are actively harming citizens.

“Nigerians do not have two choices; they have only one choice to make — the choice to be alive. Because Tinubu presents the choice of death,” Amaechi declared. ” Atiku represents that life.”

To illustrate the severe impact of rising living costs, the former governor detailed the hardships faced by everyday workers, including employees at his wife’s business. He noted that out of a ₦70,000 monthly wage, staff members spend up to ₦65,000 on transportation alone, leaving virtually nothing for rent, food, or medical care following massive price hikes.

“My wife has staff in her shop, and they’re asking for salary increase. You know why? Transport from where they live to the ₦70,000 you pay them in a month as wage, transport alone takes ₦65,000. What about house rent? The landlord has increased his rent by 300%,” he said.

Amaechi further linked the administration’s economic policies directly to healthcare hardship, pointing out that skyrocketing drug costs have left many Nigerians unable to afford life-saving medications. He revealed that he regularly receives desperate appeals from citizens asking for help to purchase medicine.

The interview took an emotional turn when Amaechi linked the economic crisis to a personal tragedy.

“How many people have died because they can’t afford drugs? How many people have called me, sent me texts asking me to pay for their drugs? Policies are killing people! I’ve lost my mother, a lot of people have lost their persons!” he said.

When pressed by the presenter Seun Okinbaloye — “Is it Tinubu’s policy that killed your mother? Really? I thought she came of age” — Amaechi insisted:

“Of course! Why do you think my mother couldn’t live up to 92? Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came in, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother.”

Responding to Seun’s question — “And it’s not your own responsibility to take care of your mother, and you allowed her to die?” — Amaechi replied: “I didn’t have a choice! You know how many people I’m taking care of? I’m taking care of my brother… Of course I did! I did the best I could.”

Amaechi also questioned the whereabouts of funds saved from the removal of petrol subsidy, demanding transparency on how those resources are being utilized to alleviate citizen suffering.

“Where are those funds that are supposed to be the outcome of removal of subsidy? The essence according to the President of removing subsidy is to better the lives of Nigerians. Where is the money? I want to feel it; everybody wants to feel it. Nobody hates Tinubu. I love Tinubu, he knows,” he said.

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, he highlighted Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported finished goods and pharmaceuticals, noting that last quarter alone Nigeria spent ₦200 billion importing drugs and 40% of finished goods are imported.

Concluding his remarks, Amaechi warned against any attempt to compromise future elections, stating that public frustration over hunger and hardship has reached a critical threshold.

“Tinubu will not rig this election because there may not be a Nigeria if he rigs the election. Why? The people are tired! They are hungry! The President can only help them by giving them food,” he warned.