Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over his claim that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies contributed to the death of his mother.

Amaechi made the claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, saying the rising cost of medication under the Tinubu administration made it difficult for his family to care for his mother, Mary Amaechi, who died in July 2026 at the age of 89.

Reacting on Saturday while addressing political leaders and stakeholders in Ahoada, Rivers State, Wike accused Amaechi of bringing his late mother into political arguments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“You know, it’s unfortunate. I thought, for whatever reason, that we must respect our parents,” Wike said.

He also referred to Amaechi’s reported comment that his mother would be happy if the ADC won the 2027 election, questioning the political implication of the statement.

“But ADC will not win. No way!” Wike declared.

The FCT minister questioned Amaechi’s explanation that the rising cost of medication had made it difficult to care for his mother, citing the former governor’s years in public office.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, governor from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.

Wike argued that Amaechi could have sought financial assistance from relatives, friends or associates to support his mother’s treatment rather than attributing her death to government policy.

He also questioned why Amaechi could not have sought assistance from his wife, whom he described as an industrialist, or from associates who attended his mother’s burial.

“People can descend so low to use your mother to play politics. Why? Why?” Wike said.

Wike further questioned Amaechi’s claim of being a good son, asking whether his late mother would have been comfortable with the manner in which her death was being discussed in the political arena.

He urged Nigerians to pray for Amaechi’s late mother, saying she should “have rest” and “peace with her Creator.”