Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi following comments in which the latter linked his mother’s death to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike spoke on Saturday, October 3, 2026, while addressing members of the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Amaechi had made the remarks a day earlier during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. The former governor, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, argued that the rising cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration made it difficult for him to obtain the drugs his late mother needed.

He said his mother had been healthy before Tinubu assumed office but that the economic situation subsequently made purchasing her medication increasingly difficult. Amaechi attributed her death partly to the challenges he said his family faced in providing the necessary drugs.

Reacting, Wike questioned Amaechi’s explanation, drawing attention to the former governor’s years in public office. He noted that 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.

The FCT minister also referred to Amaechi’s family circumstances, questioning why his wife, whom he described as an industrialist, could not assist with the medical expenses. Wike further questioned why the former governor’s wealthy associates, some of whom he said attended the burial in private jets, had not helped while his mother was alive.

Wike also criticised a separate video in which Amaechi reportedly said his late mother would be happy if the ADC won the 2027 general election.

The minister objected to the inclusion of a deceased family member in political discussions, arguing that the comments brought Amaechi’s mother into an ongoing political contest. He urged people to allow the dead to rest in peace.

Amaechi’s mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 and was buried in September in Ubima, Rivers State, with several prominent political figures reportedly attending the funeral.

The exchange adds to the longstanding political disagreement between Wike and Amaechi, two former Rivers State governors who have become political rivals. Their latest comments come as political activities and discussions ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.

While Amaechi has used his interview to criticise the economic impact of the Tinubu administration, Wike has challenged his account and questioned his response to his mother’s medical needs. The claims and counterclaims remain statements made by the two politicians.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia