Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing its economic policies as reckless and urging Nigerians to vote against the president in 2027.
Amaechi made the remarks on Thursday during an ADC town hall meeting in Edo State, where he criticised the government’s handling of the economy and the impact of its policies on ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking about the 2027 election, the former Rivers State governor referenced a statement circulating on social media about Nigerians’ voting choices.
“I read on social media that it is in 2027 that we will know how many madmen we have in Nigeria. It is only a madman that can vote for Tinubu,” Amaechi said.
He went further, urging voters in the state to reject the president if they believe the administration’s policies have worsened their economic situation.
“If you are not mad, then Tinubu should not win here,” he added.
Amaechi also took aim at the removal of petrol subsidy, rejecting the argument that the decision demonstrated political courage.
According to him, the policy has placed additional pressure on Nigerians and businesses already struggling with rising costs.
“There is a difference between courage and recklessness. Tinubu wasn’t courageous; he was reckless,” Amaechi said.
The ADC chieftain also expressed concern about the growing cost-of-living crisis, saying many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities.
“People are not able to feed. Things are difficult,” he said.
Amaechi argued that Nigeria’s economic challenges cannot be solved by policies that increase the financial burden on citizens and businesses.
He also criticised the country’s handling of its energy resources, noting that Nigeria has significant deposits of crude oil and natural gas but has struggled to turn those resources into broad-based economic prosperity.
The former minister particularly pointed to the South-South region, which is rich in oil and gas, arguing that the resources should be contributing more significantly to industrial development, employment and improved living standards.
He maintained that Nigeria needs policies that encourage domestic production and strengthen local industries rather than measures that leave consumers facing higher costs.
Amaechi also said the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would introduce a “production subsidy” if elected in 2027.
According to him, the proposed approach would be aimed at supporting local production while reducing the economic pressure currently being experienced by Nigerians.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Amaechi’s comments add to the growing political criticism of the Tinubu administration as opposition parties intensify their campaigns against the president’s economic policies.
Source: Statement from Rotimi Amaechi / ADC town hall meeting
