Amaechi Links Mother’s Death to Tinubu’s Policies

By George Omagbemi

Former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has linked the death of his mother to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, before clarifying that he was joking.

Amaechi made the remark during a Channels Television interview on Friday, October 2, while discussing the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

Asked whether Tinubu’s policies contributed to his mother’s death, Amaechi responded that his mother was healthy before Tinubu came into office. When challenged over his responsibility to provide for her, he questioned how much one person could do while supporting many people.

He later clarified that the comment was made jokingly. His mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 at the age of 89 and was buried in September.

Amaechi has previously criticised aspects of Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the reforms have increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

The remark comes as Amaechi campaigns as the running mate to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 election.

Tinubu had earlier condoled with Amaechi over his mother’s death, describing her as a woman of faith, sacrifice and service.