‘APC’s cruel mockery of Amaechi can’t hide Tinubu’s misery’ — ADC PCC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) in response to comments regarding former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s reported struggles to pay for medication for his late mother.
Phrank Shaibu, the ADC’s Director of Strategic Communications, described the APC’s statement, issued by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, as a “display of political cruelty.” Shaibu accused the ruling party of turning a family tragedy into a source of partisan ridicule.
In a post on social media platform X, Shaibu argued that Morka’s comments overlooked a broader issue affecting many Nigerians who are facing difficulties affording healthcare, food, and other basic necessities. “If Rotimi Amaechi says he struggled to afford his mother’s medication, the humane response is compassion. The political response is to question why millions of Nigerians are also being priced out of essential items,” he stated.
Shaibu also took issue with Morka’s characterization of Amaechi as a “loafer” in relation to his financial troubles after leaving public office, suggesting that such remarks reflect the APC’s insensitivity to the economic hardships faced by many citizens. “Nigerians who cannot afford treatment, keep the lights on, or travel safely are not loafers. They are citizens living through the consequences of a government that has failed them,” he said.
The ADC spokesperson criticized the Tinubu administration on several fronts, including the economy, infrastructure, electricity, security, and public welfare, claiming that conditions for Nigerians have worsened under its leadership. “The reality is plain: the roads are bad, the economy is bad, electricity is bad, security is bad, and the welfare of the people is bad,” Shaibu declared.
He challenged the APC to address the poor condition of roads nationwide, particularly in the South-East region. “Instead of sneering at Amaechi, Morka should explain why Nigerians face dangerous journeys on roads meant to connect communities and support trade,” he remarked.
Shaibu emphasized that the deteriorating state of infrastructure, especially in the South-East, has made transportation increasingly risky, questioning how long citizens would endure unsafe travels. He also criticized the Federal Government’s public spending, arguing that increased expenditures have not resulted in affordable healthcare, reliable electricity, or safe roads for many. “The APC cannot boast about trillions in public spending while Nigerians lack safe roads, reliable electricity, and affordable healthcare,” he said.
According to Shaibu, the effectiveness of any government should be measured by citizens’ ability to live safely, access healthcare, and earn a sustainable livelihood. “The test of government is not how viciously its spokesmen can insult their opponents. It is whether people can live safely, afford treatment, and earn a decent living,” he emphasized.
He urged Morka to clarify the Federal Government’s record to the public, while also calling for respect for Amaechi’s family during their time of mourning. Shaibu connected the ongoing controversy to the upcoming 2027 general elections, encouraging Nigerians to leverage the election to chart a better future for the country. “Nigerians owe themselves the resolve to make 2027 a turning point, so that the poverty and insecurity associated with Tinubu’s rule do not become the country’s future,” he stated.
