Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Edo State, has ignited a fresh political firestorm following recent remarks targeting the former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
Speaking at a high-profile colloquium in Abuja marking the 50th birthday of Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President, Oshiomhole made what has been widely interpreted as a blistering jab at Amaechi. Reflecting on Usman’s tenure as the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Oshiomhole criticised individuals he described as being “drunk with power” who previously attempted to “rubbish” her reputation.
“They wanted to destroy you and rubbish your family name. In the end, they destroyed themselves. Today, they are hungry,” Oshiomhole stated during the event, adding a controversial prayer that such hunger should remain with them “until they return to their creator”.
These comments come amid a backdrop of heightened political friction:
Oshiomhole’s remarks appear to be a direct response to Amaechi’s recent public criticisms of the current administration’s economic policies, including his candid admission that “we are all hungry”.
Oshiomhole further dismissed Amaechi as a “bad loser” who is struggling to adjust to life outside of public office, labelling his recent commentaries as desperate attempts to regain political relevance.
The Senator has previously asserted that no credible voter would support a movement led by Amaechi in the upcoming 2027 elections.
The remarks have triggered a wave of reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape:
Allies of Rotimi Amaechi, including APC Chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, have fired back, describing Oshiomhole’s comments as “politically motivated” and “bile-filled”. Eze reminded Oshiomhole of his own historic removal as APC National Chairman, suggesting he focus on stabilising the nation rather than personal attacks.
On social media, Nigerians are divided. While some applaud Oshiomhole for “calling out hypocrisy,” many others have criticised the Senator for trivialising the genuine economic hardship and hunger being felt across the country.
The “Hunger” Debate: Analysts note that the exchange has shifted the political discourse toward a bitter debate over “hunger for food” versus “hunger for power,” highlighting deep-seated rifts within the political elite as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
As of this release, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has not issued a formal personal response to the Senator’s latest remarks.
