Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly criticized the Presidency over its response to comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing the government’s reaction as disrespectful to his Catholic faith.
Speaking during an interview, Amaechi said he was not concerned about whatever political strategy President Bola Tinubu might adopt ahead of the 2027 general election. According to him, elections are contests that are decided on the campaign field, and his political camp is prepared for that challenge.
“What the President wants to do in the field, we will also do in the field,” Amaechi said. “Whether he wants to wrestle politically or not is not my concern. The issue for me is that the President and his associates have insulted my faith.”
During the discussion, the interviewer compared the situation to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of the Pope and questioned why Nigeria’s Presidency should be treated differently.
Amaechi responded by insisting that the comparison was misplaced, arguing that Catholics in the United States strongly defended the Pope against such remarks. He added that Nigeria’s Catholic community, estimated at about 35 million people, should not be collectively offended by comments directed at one of its respected religious leaders.
According to Amaechi, respect for religious institutions should be maintained regardless of political disagreements.
The former Minister of Transportation also signaled that the ADC would not hesitate to respond forcefully to political attacks as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He declared that if political opponents choose to engage in personal attacks, his camp would respond in equal measure.
“By the time campaigns begin, if anyone is ready to abuse others, we will reply. We will descend to whatever level they choose,” he said, adding that politics has become increasingly confrontational.
Amaechi also addressed remarks allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding his financial status and his selection as the ADC vice-presidential candidate alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
When asked whether Atiku chose him because of financial considerations, Amaechi dismissed the suggestion with humor, asking, “Do I look like someone who has money?”
Reacting to Wike’s reported comments, Amaechi maintained that he would not ordinarily respond to him, referring to the FCT minister as his “subordinate.” However, he warned that once active political campaigns commence, he would no longer ignore personal attacks.
He stated that after the current period of mourning ends and campaign activities officially begin, anyone who insults him should expect a direct response.
Amaechi’s comments are expected to add further momentum to the growing political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition ADC as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.
