APC Says Fmr Nat. Chairman, Oyegun, Owes Party Over N150m In Debts

By Ayodele Oni

Oyegun dismisses claim as politically motivated

Few days after his deflection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the Edo State chapter of the APC, are embroiled in a N150 million debt controversy, said to be owed by the former Edo state Governor, while serving as national chairman of the party.

In a statement issued by the state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe

accused Chief Odigie-Oyegun, of owing the party what it described as ₦150 million long-standing financial obligations.

He explained that the liabilities stem from loans and unpaid membership dues accumulated over several years during Oyegun’s time as a member and leader of the APC.

According to Tenebe, repeated efforts to recover the funds have not yielded results, insisting that Oyegun’s total indebtedness exceeded ₦150 million, alleging that he ignored several formal demands for repayment.

“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 said the claims cover loans allegedly granted to Oyegun during his tenure as APC national chairman, alongside membership dues he was accused of failing to remit throughout his stay in the party.

“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 added.

He explained that the party opted to go public after what he described as Oyegun’s persistent refusal to honour his financial 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.”

Responding to the allegations, Oyegun dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

He argued that the accusations reflected anxiety within the ruling APC 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 in a telephone interview.

Oyegun accused the APC of reacting to the rise of the ADC with hostility rather than 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 alleged that the APC had damaged the image of Edo State through intimidation, violence, and inflammatory political conduct.

“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.

Reiterating the ADC’s preparedness for political engagement, Oyegun maintained that his party remains firmly rooted across the state.

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

Also reacting, a political aide to Oyegun and former Chief of Staff to former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, Dr Isaiah Osifo, questioned Tenebe’s authority to comment on the former APC chairman’s administrative 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.