The All Progressives Congress in Edo State has asked a former national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to immediately settle outstanding debts allegedly owed to the party, putting the figure at over ₦150 million.
The Edo APC said the liabilities stem from loans allegedly advanced to Oyegun during his tenure as national chairman, as well as accumulated membership dues which he reportedly failed to remit over several years.
This position was made public in a statement signed by the Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, who accused Oyegun of ignoring repeated official demands for repayment.
According to the statement, the party decided to go public after exhausting internal efforts to recover the funds. The Edo APC maintained that the debts were well documented and traceable to Oyegun’s period as both a senior party official and a member of the APC.
“The All Progressives Congress in Edo State wishes to inform the general public that, as a law-abiding and people-centred political organisation, we have formally demanded the settlement of debts owed by the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,” the statement said.
It added that party records showed Oyegun allegedly benefited from loans during his time as APC national chairman and also failed to remit membership dues throughout his years in the party.
The Edo APC leadership said the decision to issue an open demand became necessary due to Oyegun’s alleged refusal to honour his financial obligations to the party that provided him a platform for national political relevance.
Read Also:
- Obaseki’s aide to Edo APC: Lying unintelligently an ineffective way to play opposition politics
- Ex-Deputy Gov loses senate ticket in Edo APC primaries
- Edo APC’s call for state of emergency should be directed at FG
Reacting, Oyegun, who is now the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress, dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. He described the claims as a sign of panic within the ruling APC, insisting that the party was unsettled by the growing influence of the ADC.
“People will have a good laugh at that. All I can say is that as negative as what they are doing, it finally shows that they know they have problems with the advent of the ADC,” Oyegun said.
He accused the APC of resorting to intimidation and smear tactics instead of focusing on strategy and governance, arguing that the emergence of the ADC had exposed deep anxieties within the ruling party.
Oyegun added that the APC’s leadership in Edo State had reduced political discourse to insults and threats, insisting that the ADC was prepared for any political contest ahead.
The exchange has further heightened political tension in Edo State, as both parties trade accusations amid shifting alliances and growing competition ahead of future elections.
