Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, declaring that only a madman would vote for the president in the 2027 general election.

Amaechi, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks on Thursday during the party’s town hall meeting in Edo State, where he urged Nigerians to reject Tinubu over the economic hardship facing the country.

“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.

The former Rivers State governor added, “If you are not mad, then Tinubu should not win here,” while accusing some of the president’s supporters of being motivated by personal interests.

Amaechi also faulted the removal of the petrol subsidy, rejecting the president’s characterisation of the policy as an act of courage.

He argued that the decision was reckless, particularly given the economic consequences Nigerians were experiencing.

“There is a difference between courage and recklessness. Tinubu wasn’t courageous; he was reckless,” Amaechi said.

He lamented the rising cost of living, noting that many Nigerians were struggling to afford basic necessities, including food.

According to him, the administration’s economic policies have contributed to the hardship faced by households across the country.

“People are not able to feed. Things are difficult,” he said.

The ADC chieftain also criticised the country’s energy sector, arguing that Nigeria had failed to fully harness its crude oil and natural gas resources to promote industrialisation and improve citizens’ living standards.

He particularly highlighted the abundant energy resources in the South-South region, saying the country needed policies that would encourage domestic production, strengthen industries and reduce the financial burden on consumers and businesses.

Amaechi said Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, would introduce production subsidies if elected president in 2027, with the aim of boosting local industries, increasing domestic output and easing economic pressures on Nigerians.

His remarks come amid continuing political debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and its implications for the cost of living.