Edo APC Accuses Former National Chairman Oyegun of Owing ₦150m

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused its former National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, of owing the party more than ₦150 million.

The party said the alleged debt covers unpaid loans and accumulated membership dues from the period Oyegun served as a member and leader of the APC.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, the party said it had made several attempts to recover the money but received no response from Oyegun.

The statement said the decision to go public became necessary after what the party described as repeated refusal by Oyegun to meet his financial obligations.

“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 read.

Tenebe explained that part of the alleged debt came from loans given to Oyegun during his time as National Chairman of the APC.

He also said party records showed that Oyegun failed to pay membership dues throughout his stay in the APC.

“Our records also reveal accumulated membership dues which the ADC National Leader refused to pay into the party’s coffers during his entire membership of the APC,” Tenebe said.

He added that the APC could no longer ignore the matter because Oyegun had allegedly benefited from the party but refused to honour his responsibilities.

“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,” he stated.

However, Oyegun rejected the allegation and described it as untrue and politically motivated.

The former Edo State governor said the claim showed fear and confusion within the ruling party following the growing influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“People will have a good laugh at that. All I can say is that, negative as what they are doing, it finally shows that they now know they have problems with the advent of the ADC,” he said.

Oyegun argued that the APC had chosen confrontation instead of healthy political competition.

“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 stated.

He further accused the APC of lowering the political image of Edo State through threats and aggressive language.

“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,” he said.

Oyegun insisted that the ADC remained strong and prepared for any political contest.

“We are on the ground, and whatever way they want to choose, we are waiting for them,” he added.

A political aide to Oyegun, Dr Isaiah Osifo, also criticised the Edo APC chairman over the allegations.

Osifo said Tenebe had no authority to question the financial conduct of a former national chairman or assess his leadership record.

“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.