Former Rivers State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has openly challenged President Bola Tinubu regarding current fuel prices, stating he would step down as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate and campaign for the incumbent if petrol prices drop to ₦600 per litre.
Amaechi made the declaration while addressing reporters on the state of the economy, pointing out that claims of falling transport costs and economic relief have failed to manifest for ordinary citizens. He emphasized that widespread hunger, poverty, and rising living costs leave no room for political rigging in upcoming elections, warning that popular frustration across the country remains exceptionally high.
Adding a deeply personal layer to his critique, Amaechi directly linked the administration’s economic direction to his family’s personal struggles, alleging that President Tinubu’s policies contributed to the death of his mother, Mary Amaechi. He stated that his mother was healthy before the current administration took office in 2023, but the steep rise in medical costs under the current economic conditions made it increasingly difficult to afford her medication, ultimately leading to her passing.
He cited the skyrocketing cost of imported pharmaceuticals and basic goods to illustrate how severely inflation and currency reforms have damaged healthcare access for everyday Nigerians.
Critics and political observers have noted that Amaechi’s challenge highlights ongoing tensions around fuel subsidy removals and inflation, framing fuel prices and cost of living issues as central metrics for public trust heading toward future elections.
Despite his harsh criticism of the administration’s economic management, Amaechi maintained that his stance is driven by policy rather than personal hatred toward President Tinubu.
Rotimi Amaechi has maintained a prominent presence in Nigerian politics across state and federal levels for over two decades. His career in elected office began during the Third Nigerian Republic, serving as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, before being elected to the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999. He served two terms as Speaker of the Assembly from 1999 to 2007, during which he was also elected Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies.
Amaechi subsequently became the Governor of Rivers State, governing for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2015, while also serving as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). Following the 2015 general elections, he transitioned to the federal cabinet, serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 until 2022.
