Rotimi Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for vice president, has urged Nigerians to carefully consider their choice of candidate in the next general election, presenting a contrast between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the opposition ticket led by Atiku Abubakar.
Amaechi made the comments while addressing political stakeholders in Obigwe, within Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. During the gathering, he called on supporters to intensify efforts to register new members and strengthen the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the election.
The former Rivers State governor criticised the Tinubu administration over its decision to discontinue the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy has contributed to increased economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
According to Amaechi, the removal of the subsidy has made life more difficult for citizens, while insecurity and violent attacks continue to affect communities. He questioned whether Nigerians had experienced any meaningful relief since the policy was introduced.
Amaechi also referred to his time as governor, claiming that his administration invested public resources in social programmes and infrastructure. He said his government supported contractors, provided free education, constructed schools and offered healthcare services to residents.
He alleged that some of those initiatives were neglected after he left office, accusing subsequent authorities of failing to maintain programmes that had been established for the benefit of the people.
Turning to the forthcoming election, Amaechi warned residents to be cautious when politicians begin distributing money during the campaign period. He suggested that voters should focus on policies and their potential impact on household finances rather than accepting short-term financial inducements.
He further promoted Atiku Abubakar’s economic proposals, stating that the former vice president had promised to restore fuel subsidies if elected. Amaechi argued that such a policy could lead to a reduction in petrol prices and ease some of the financial pressure facing households.
He also claimed that an Atiku-led administration would reintroduce electricity subsidies, which he said could help lower the overall cost of living.
According to Amaechi, lower energy and transportation costs would have wider consequences for consumers because expenses associated with producing and transporting goods would also decline. He specifically cited the expected impact on the prices of commodities such as cooking oil and other household necessities.
The ADC politician therefore framed the election as a choice between continuing with the current administration and supporting an alternative political platform under Atiku.
He told the gathering that Nigerians ultimately had the responsibility to decide which direction the country should take, arguing that their votes could determine whether economic hardship would continue or conditions would improve.
Amaechi also encouraged party members to build a strong grassroots network capable of mobilising voters ahead of the election. He described these supporters as the party’s “foot soldiers” and urged them to work actively within their communities.
His remarks form part of the ADC’s wider political campaign as opposition figures seek to challenge the ruling administration and persuade Nigerians that a change of government could deliver better economic conditions.
The former governor’s comments are likely to fuel further debate over the removal of fuel subsidies, the cost of living, social welfare and the competing economic proposals being presented by political parties ahead of the election.
