The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly accused former National Chairman of the party and one-time Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, of refusing to settle alleged financial obligations to the party amounting to over ₦150 million. The claim was made in a statement issued on Thursday, in which the APC detailed what it described as long-standing debts tied to loans and membership dues the party said Oyegun failed to pay during his tenure in office.
In a statement signed by Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, the party asserted that its records show that the former national chairman, now National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), owes the party funds that stem from multiple sources. According to Tenebe, the alleged liabilities include loans extended to Oyegun while he was APC national chairman, as well as membership dues that the party claims he failed to remit throughout his period of membership.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State wishes to inform the general public that, as a law-abiding, people-centred political organisation, we have formally demanded the settlement of debts owed by the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,” the statement reads.
Tenebe said the party made several official demands for repayment to Oyegun over the years without success, and that the public appeal was necessary because of what he described as a refusal by the former chairman to honour his financial obligations to the APC. “This open demand has become necessary due to the refusal by Chief Oyegun to settle his commitments to the APC, the party that gave him the platform to tower politically,” the statement said.
Chief Odigie-Oyegun, however, has strongly rejected the APC’s allegations, dismissing them as unfounded and politically motivated. Speaking to a Punch correspondent by phone, Oyegun described the claims as a “sign of panic” within the ruling party, which he said stems from concerns over the rising influence of the ADC in the political landscape.
“People will have a good laugh at that. All I can say is that, negative as what they are doing may be, it finally shows that they now know they have problems with the advent of the ADC,” Oyegun said. He added that the APC’s response to the ADC’s growth appears rooted in hostility rather than constructive political engagement.
Oyegun argued that the ruling party has reacted to the ADC’s emergence with unfounded accusations, asserting, “They now know they are in trouble. We are ready for them. Whatever they do, we are ready. They are finally acknowledging that there is a threat to them in Nigeria.”
He also accused the APC of dragging Edo politics into “political disrepute” through what he characterised as violent behaviour, intimidation and abusive rhetoric, saying that instead of engaging on issues, the party resorts to derogatory statements. “They have dragged Edo State down into the mud. The only thing they can do is resort to violence and unnecessary attacks. Instead of thinking, planning, and strategising, they resort to abusive, stupid statements,” Oyegun stated.
Adding to the rebuttal, Dr Isaiah Osifo, a political aide to Oyegun and former Chief of Staff to Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, criticised Tenebe’s standing to make such claims. Osifo argued that Tenebe lacks both the authority and credibility to speak on administrative matters related to Oyegun’s leadership or to audit his tenure.
“Jarrett does not have the moral or societal status to dent the internationally recognised integrity of Oyegun. It was the integrity and background of Oyegun that gave APC victory in 2015. Jarrett was not involved in APC. If they are grumbling that Oyegun left the party and cannot be associated with deceit and lawlessness, that is their problem,” Osifo said.
The exchange highlights rising political tensions in Edo State ahead of future electoral contests, with the APC and the ADC trading accusations even as both parties position themselves ahead of upcoming political battles.
