The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has responded to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the ruling party criticised former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi over comments about his late mother’s medical expenses.
The ADC campaign described the APC’s response as insensitive and accused the ruling party of turning a family bereavement into a political dispute.
Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, made the comments in a statement on Sunday.
The reaction followed an earlier statement by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka concerning Amaechi’s claim that rising medicine costs had made it difficult for his family to afford his mother’s treatment.
ADC criticises APC over Amaechi’s mother
Shaibu said the focus should be on the wider challenge of Nigerians struggling to afford healthcare and other basic necessities.
According to him, Amaechi’s account should have prompted discussion about the cost of medicines rather than political attacks.
The ADC spokesman said Nigerians facing difficulties with healthcare, electricity and transportation should not be dismissed because of their economic circumstances.
He also criticised the APC for describing Amaechi as a “loafer” over his reported financial difficulties after leaving public office.
What Amaechi said about his mother’s medication
The controversy began after Amaechi spoke about his late mother during an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The former Rivers governor said the rising cost of medicines under President Bola Tinubu’s administration had made it difficult for his family to provide the drugs his mother needed.
Amaechi also linked her death to the economic difficulties his family experienced while trying to obtain her medication. Those comments were subsequently challenged by the APC.
The ADC later defended Amaechi and argued that the discussion should also consider the wider impact of rising living costs on Nigerian families.
APC questions Amaechi’s financial situation
In its response, the APC questioned Amaechi’s ability to earn a living outside public office.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Amaechi had held several senior public positions over the years.
The APC also criticised his claim that he had struggled to afford his mother’s medication.
The party said the former governor’s comments raised questions about his financial situation after leaving public office. It also questioned his suitability for the vice-presidential position on the ADC ticket.
ADC links controversy to wider economic hardship
Shaibu used the dispute to raise broader concerns about the cost of living in Nigeria.
He argued that many citizens were struggling to afford healthcare, electricity and transportation.
The ADC campaign council also criticised the Federal Government over roads, security, electricity and public welfare.
However, those assessments are the position of the ADC campaign council rather than independently established conclusions in the statement.
Shaibu argued that government performance should be assessed by the conditions under which citizens live.
ADC questions condition of Nigerian roads
The ADC also challenged the APC over the condition of roads across the country.
Shaibu particularly highlighted roads in the South-East, arguing that poor infrastructure has made transportation more difficult and dangerous.
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He called on the APC to explain how government spending has translated into improvements in roads, electricity and healthcare.
The ADC campaign council said Nigerians should be able to access basic services without facing severe financial pressure.
Political dispute intensifies ahead of 2027
The exchange between the APC and ADC comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi is the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the election, while the APC is the ruling party led by President Bola Tinubu.
The dispute therefore adds another issue to the growing political debate ahead of the next presidential election.
Both parties have increasingly used public statements to challenge each other’s positions and records.
ADC asks Nigerians to focus on 2027
Shaibu eventually linked the controversy to the 2027 election.
He urged Nigerians to consider the country’s economic and security conditions when deciding how to vote.
The ADC campaign council said the election should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the direction of the country.
At the same time, the council appealed for respect for Amaechi’s family following the death of his mother.
APC, ADC trade accusations over Amaechi
The latest exchange reflects the increasingly heated political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC has questioned Amaechi’s comments and financial circumstances outside public office.
The ADC, meanwhile, has accused the ruling party of using a family tragedy for political attacks and has shifted the discussion towards healthcare costs and wider economic concerns.
For now, the controversy remains a political dispute between the two camps, with both sides defending their positions.
As the 2027 election approaches, similar exchanges are likely to remain part of the wider contest between political parties and their candidates.
