The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs Mary Amaechi, mother of the party’s vice-presidential candidate and former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, the opposition party described the late Mrs Amaechi as a devoted matriarch whose love, guidance and sacrifices helped shape her family and positively influenced many lives.
The party also prayed for God to grant her eternal rest and give her family the strength to bear the loss.
The condolence message adds to the growing list of tributes from political leaders, associates and supporters who have sympathised with Amaechi since news of his mother’s passing became public.
In Nigerian society, the death of a family matriarch is often regarded as a significant event, with tributes usually focusing on the values, care and support such women provide to their families and communities over many years.
The ADC’s message was contained in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party extended its condolences to Amaechi and the entire Amaechi family, describing the late Mrs Mary Amaechi as a woman whose strength and guidance left a lasting impact on those around her.
“The African Democratic Congress extends its deepest condolences to our Vice Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, CON, on the passing of his beloved mother, Mrs Mary Amaechi.
“We also extend our sympathies to the entire Amaechi family as they mourn the loss of a matriarch whose love, guidance and strength helped shape generations,” the statement read.
The party noted that the influence of a mother extends far beyond raising children, saying her values, sacrifices and example often continue to shape lives long after her passing.
According to the ADC, although the pain of losing a loved one cannot be measured, the family should find comfort in the meaningful life Mrs Amaechi lived and the positive legacy she left behind.
“A mother’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of her home. It is reflected in the values she imparts, the sacrifices she makes, and the lives she leaves better than she found them.
“While the pain of such a loss cannot be measured, we hope the Amaechi family will find comfort in a life well lived, in cherished memories, and in the prayers of millions of Nigerians who mourn with them today,” the statement added.
On behalf of its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, members of the National Working Committee and party supporters across the country, the ADC prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
The party also asked God to comfort the bereaved family during what it described as a difficult period.
“On behalf of our National Chairman, Senator David Mark, GCON, the National Working Committee, and members of our great party across the country, we pray that Almighty God grants Mrs Mary Amaechi eternal rest, and grants her family strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead,” the statement concluded.
Rotimi Amaechi remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly before becoming Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He later served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he oversaw several major railway projects and transport infrastructure initiatives.
Amaechi has also played key roles in national politics over the years and remains an influential figure within the opposition.
As the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, he is expected to play a major role in the party’s preparations for future elections.
The death of his mother has drawn condolences from across political divides, reflecting a long-standing tradition in Nigeria where leaders often put aside political differences to sympathise with colleagues during moments of personal loss.
Such gestures are common among political parties and public office holders, who frequently issue condolence messages to families of deceased public figures and prominent citizens.
Beyond politics, Nigerians generally regard mothers and elderly women as pillars of the family because of their roles in raising children, preserving family values and providing guidance across generations.
For this reason, the passing of a family matriarch is often marked by tributes celebrating her life, sacrifices and contributions to her family and society.
Although details surrounding Mrs Mary Amaechi’s age and funeral arrangements have not yet been made public, tributes are expected to continue from political leaders, friends and well-wishers in the coming days.
For the Amaechi family, the coming days are expected to be devoted to mourning and preparations for funeral rites, while supporters and associates continue to offer prayers and words of encouragement.
The ADC said it stands with its vice-presidential candidate during this difficult period and expressed hope that the family would find strength in the memories of a life it described as well lived and in the support of Nigerians mourning with them.