FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi of politicising the death of his mother after the former governor linked her death to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Wike made the criticism on Saturday while speaking during a visit to members of the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, made the controversial claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

He said the rising cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration had made it difficult for his family to afford the drugs his mother needed before her death.

Amaechi said the economic policies implemented since Tinubu assumed office in 2023 had affected his ability to provide the medication required for his mother’s treatment.

Reacting to the remarks, Wike said Amaechi should not have brought his late mother into political arguments.

The FCT Minister accused the former governor of using the death of a loved one for political purposes and questioned why the issue had become part of the political debate.

Wike also challenged Amaechi’s suggestion that the Federal Government’s economic policies were responsible for the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death, arguing that the former governor had personal resources and political connections that could have been used to assist with her treatment.

Amaechi’s mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 at the age of 89.

The exchange comes as both politicians take opposing positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Amaechi contesting the vice-presidency on the ADC platform and Wike serving in the Tinubu administration.

Amaechi has continued to criticise the Federal Government’s economic reforms, while Wike has defended the administration and challenged his former political ally over his comments concerning his late mother.