Rotimi Amaechi has described President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy as an act of recklessness, warning that Nigerians should reject his re-election bid and declaring that only a “madman” would vote for him in 2027. The former Minister of Transportation made the remarks during an African Democratic Congress (ADC) town hall meeting in […]
Rotimi Amaechi has described President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy as an act of recklessness, warning that Nigerians should reject his re-election bid and declaring that only a “madman” would vote for him in 2027.
The former Minister of Transportation made the remarks during an African Democratic Congress (ADC) town hall meeting in Edo State on Thursday, where he criticised the administration’s handling of the economy and urged voters to deny Tinubu another term.
Amaechi argued that the president’s economic policies had deepened the difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly as the rising cost of living continued to make basic necessities unaffordable for many households.
Speaking about the forthcoming presidential election, the ADC chieftain referred to social media discussions suggesting that the 2027 poll would reveal the number of Nigerians prepared to support Tinubu despite the prevailing economic conditions.
“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,” he said.
He went further to challenge the president’s prospects in Edo State, insisting that voters who were not irrational should not support his re-election.
“If you are not mad, then Tinubu should not win here,” Amaechi said.
The former governor also questioned the intentions of some people backing the president, accusing certain supporters of being driven by personal interests rather than concern for the welfare of Nigerians facing economic hardship.
Amaechi reserved particular criticism for the removal of the petrol subsidy, rejecting the argument that the decision demonstrated presidential courage. He maintained that a leader’s willingness to proceed with a policy despite being warned against it did not automatically make the decision courageous.
“There is a difference between courage and recklessness. Tinubu wasn’t courageous; he was reckless,” he said.
He expressed concern over the financial difficulties facing households, arguing that many Nigerians were finding it increasingly difficult to put food on the table.
“People are not able to feed. Things are difficult,” Amaechi said, blaming the administration’s economic policies for the hardship.The ADC chieftain also turned his attention to the energy sector, arguing that Nigeria had not adequately converted its natural resources into industrial growth and widespread economic benefits.
He cited the country’s crude oil and natural gas reserves, especially in the South-South, as resources that should be helping to drive production, strengthen businesses and improve living standards.
Amaechi called for a shift towards policies that would promote local manufacturing and domestic production rather than place additional pressure on consumers and businesses.
He said Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, planned to introduce production subsidies if elected in 2027. Amaechi argued that the measure would help domestic industries expand output while easing the economic burden on Nigerians.
His comments underscore the growing political contest over the impact of Tinubu’s economic policies, with the petrol subsidy removal and the cost of living emerging as key issues in the debate over the 2027 presidential election.