Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Rotimi Amaechi has sparked political controversy after declaring that only “mad people” would vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi made the remarks on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during an ADC stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Benin City, Edo State, where party leaders and supporters gathered to discuss the party’s political agenda ahead of the next presidential election.
Addressing the gathering, the former Minister of Transportation urged Edo residents to reject Tinubu’s re-election bid, criticising the president’s economic policies and accusing his administration of worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“They are going about saying, ‘Vote Tinubu, vote Tinubu; only thieves will vote for Tinubu,’” Amaechi said.
He added: “It is in 2027 that we will know how many mad men we have in Nigeria because it is only a mad man that can vote for Tinubu. If you are not mad, then Tinubu should not win here.”
Amaechi also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy had increased the financial pressure on households and businesses. He questioned some of the administration’s infrastructure priorities, including plans for additional seaport development, suggesting that public projects should be justified by clear economic needs.
The comments drew criticism from the Presidency and the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Presidential media aide Temitope Ajayi described Amaechi’s remarks as irresponsible, while APC representatives also challenged his political rhetoric.
The exchange highlights the increasingly confrontational tone of political debate ahead of the 2027 elections. Economic hardship, fuel prices, public spending and the performance of the current administration are expected to remain major campaign issues.
Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, is seeking another term in 2027. Amaechi, a former two-term governor of Rivers State and former transportation minister, is now associated with the opposition ADC, which is seeking to challenge the ruling party at the polls. 【turn874855search15】
