The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday called on former National Chairman of the party and ex-Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to settle what it described as outstanding debts allegedly owed to the party.
The Edo APC said the debts arose from alleged loans and accumulated membership dues spanning several years when Oyegun was a member of the party.
In a statement signed by the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, the party claimed that the former national chairman had failed to respond to several official demands for repayment, with the total liability put at over ₦150 million.
“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.
According to Tenebe, the debts include loans allegedly advanced to Oyegun during his tenure as National Chairman of the APC, as well as accumulated membership dues which he allegedly failed to remit throughout his period of membership.
“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 demand became necessary following what he described as Oyegun’s outright refusal to honour his financial obligations to the party.
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 APC chairman stressed.
However, reacting to the allegations, Oyegun dismissed the claims as baseless, describing them as a sign of panic within the ruling APC.
Oyegun, who also served as the first civilian Governor of Edo State, said the allegations were driven by growing unease within the APC following the emergence of the ADC as a strong political force.
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 during a phone call with our correspondent.
He accused the APC of responding to the rise of the ADC with hostility rather than constructive political engagement.
“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,” Oyegun stated.
The ADC leader further accused the ruling party of dragging Edo State into political disrepute through what he described as violence, intimidation, and abusive rhetoric.
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.
Reaffirming the ADC’s readiness to engage politically through legitimate means, Oyegun maintained that the party remains firmly grounded.
“We are on the ground, and whatever way they want to choose, we are waiting for them,” he added.
Also, a political aide to Odigie-Oyegun and former Chief of Staff to Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, Dr Isaiah Osifo, said Tenebe lacked the authority to speak on administrative decisions of the former National Chairman or to audit Oyegun’s leadership.
“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.
