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“Nigerians Don’t Respect Their Leaders” – First Lady Remi Tinubu Urges Restraint In Social Media Attacks

February 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Coming after United States President Donald Trump encomium on her, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flayed demeaning of our leaders and tearing them down through hate-driven narratives and social media attacks.

Rather, Mrs Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to show greater respect and support for the country’s leaders,

In a post shared on her Facebook page on Friday night, Mrs Tinubu lamented that while many Nigerian leaders were “highly respected and honoured abroad,” they were often met with “hatred” and “negativity” at home, largely fuelled by political propaganda.

“Most of our leaders are highly respected and honored abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and the narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters, which have also hardened their hearts,” she wrote.

The First Lady criticised what she described as the growing trend of bullying and public ridicule directed at national figures, particularly on social media platforms.

“They bully these leaders, speak ill of them, demean them, curse them, and even seize upon their mistakes to drag them across social media, ridiculing and mocking them publicly,” Mrs Tinubu stated.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s foundation rests on love, unity, and collective effort, urging citizens to work together with their leaders to advance national progress.

“Nigeria is built on love, unity, and collective effort toward shared success.

“Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great,” she added.

At the United States National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.,

President Donald Trump had described Nigeria’s President wife as a “very respected woman” where she was recognised for her role in promoting faith-based initiatives and women’s empowerment.

Nollywood Movie Promotion Strategies: Iyabo Ojo Says Jealousy Reigns

Akinwale Kasali

February 7, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The controversy which trailed the statement by Nollywood Actor, Director and Producer, Kunle Afolayan, that dancing to promote a Movie was no good, and at best degrading, is still on the centre stage.

Even though Afonya mentioned no name, not a few people knew he was indirectly referring to Nigeria’s Box Office Queen, Funke Akindele who has just grossed billions of Naira in her latest film, Behind The Scene She is known for using dancing as a Promotional Tool for her movies.

Stung, she swiftly responded and warned Afolayan to mind his business, stay on his lane, and allow her to promote her films whichever way she deemed okay.

Now, Iyabo Ojo, another Nollywood Actress has weighed in

by sharing a cryptic message on her instagram, a post which many users are linking to the ongoing debate surrounding movie promotion strategies in the industry.

Her message surfaced at a time when discussions continue over differing approaches to film marketing, particularly the contrast between dance-driven online promotions associated with Akindele and the more traditional, content-focused style preferred by filmmaker, Afolayan to Akindele’s choice.

While both stars have expressed their views separately, the topic has triggered heated exchanges among fans about what method works best.

In the Instagram post, Ojo wrote:

“JEALOUSY IS THE LAST CLASS

TO ATTEND BEFORE BECOMING A WI CH

Gobonsamadamfo

iyaboojofespris Who made the rules? Nobody you gotta answer

2026 ain’t for talkers – it’s for doers. Do what works for YOU. Let others win their way. You win yours. Period.”

Though the statement appeared general, many followers interpreted it as a reaction to the ongoing conversation. Still, there is no confirmation that she was referring to any specific person.

Her post has drawn a wave of mixed reactions online among fans, critics and observers.

@‌sleemeasy wrote, “I hold the same opinion with Iyabo Ojo. Like I have said before on this topic; Omotola Jalade and Kunle Afolayan refusing to dance just to promote their movies is not a crime or a sin. They just don’t believe in the Dancing Marketing Strategy.”

@‌princewriter01 commented, “She’s just trying to be relevant.”

@‌Just1_gentle reacted, “Those her words are powerful.”

@‌ak_ade added, “Do what works for you.”

@‌Mhiz_Lynn shared, “Everyone must not follow the same path or choose the same route. Do what works for you as long as you’re not harming anybody.”

@‌PaulAgono said, “I don talk am before na jealousy wan kpai that one.”

@‌MaziiObi wrote, “Truly, who made the rules?”

@‌cryptohubhome stated, “The words are powerful & true.”

@‌iVez100 criticised, “Coming from someone with a jealous mind.”

@‌Moredolla24 questioned, “What exactly is she saying just dey saying senseless things let her go and sleep.”

@‌techSis_Ak echoed, “Do what works for you, period.”

@‌text2saraki concluded, “Let everyone do what works for them and let all mind our own business for the sake of peace of mind.”

With the industry already divided over whether dance trends or storytelling should drive movie promotions, Iyabo’s post has only added fuel to the debate. For now, she has not clarified her message, leaving fans to continue speculating.

Gunmen Abduct, Behead Prominent Rivers State Youth Leader

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Palpable apprehension and fear have enveloped Omoku town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of Rivers state, following the abduction and subsequent beheading of the Youth President, Comrade Ifeanyi Azuazu by unidentified gunmen.

According to local witness accounts, the unfortunate incident which occurred Thursday evening February 5, 2026, along Ogolo street, off Palace Road in the heart of Omoku town, also, claimed the life of Chigozie Oluwu, the personal aide to the deceased Omoku Youth President.

The gunmen who were seven in number, reportedly, stormed a popular relaxation spot in the area, seized the Youth President, marched him into one of their two operational vehicles, and sped off.

However, before leaving with Azuazu, the gunmen shot and killed Oluwu for attempting to obstruct their operation.

Expectedly ,the incident instantly created tension and anxiety in the community as residents and other business operators in the area, scampered for safety.

The death of the Youth President was broken on Friday,February 6, 2026, following the discovery of his headless body in a forest in the town by some operatives of the ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee OSPAC.

According to the OSPAC spokesperson, Goodnews Nkem, the body of the Youth President was discovered after hours of intensive combing of all the nearby bushes and forest in Omoku town

He further informed that Comrade Azuazu was not only killed by his captors, but beheaded.

“OSPAC operatives, working in concert with other local security outfits, recovered the headless body of the Omoku Youth Federation President on Friday afternoon”, Nkem stated

While describing the incident as painful and unfortunate, the OSPAC spokesperson, assured that efforts are underway by the combined team of Police, Department of State Service, DSS, Local security outfits and other relevant authorities to track down the perpetrators of the heinous act.

At the time of reporting, the police were yet to react officially to the development.

Fmr, Reps. Speaker, Masari Replaces Gov. Uzodinma, As Chairman, APC Convention Committee

Ayodele Oni

February 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a major reshuffle, which saw the removal of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, as Chairman of the National Convention Coordination Committee and his replacement with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bello Masari, has been effected.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who approved the change also gave the nod for the increase in the committee membership from 73 to 90 to accommodate more interests.

According to reports, the move, widely seen as strategic, signals a recalibration of internal party dynamics as the ruling party prepares for a convention that could shape its leadership structure and electoral outlook ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Uzodinma, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), was initially appointed to head the powerful convention coordination committee, a body tasked with overseeing planning, logistics, consensus-building, and political negotiations for the APC’s national convention.

However, under the new arrangement approved by President Tinubu, Uzodinma has been reassigned to serve as Treasurer of the Convention Planning Committee, a role that, while still important, places him in a less visible leadership position.

Hon. Bello Masari, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a seasoned party stalwart with deep roots in the APC’s predecessor structures, has now been named Chairman of the Convention Coordination Committee.

Party insiders say Masari’s selection reflects President Tinubu’s desire to inject broader experience, balance, and perceived neutrality into the sensitive process of convention planning, especially at a time when internal alignments and ambitions are beginning to crystallize.

According to findings, the decision to replace Governor Uzodinma was driven by a need to promote inclusiveness and unity within the APC. The party leadership is reportedly keen to avoid perceptions of dominance by any particular bloc or group, particularly governors, as the convention approaches.

By appointing Masari, who is not a serving governor but remains influential across multiple party factions, the presidency appears to be signaling a deliberate effort to reassure various interests within the APC that the convention process will be fair and broadly representative.

Beyond the leadership reshuffle, President Tinubu also approved a significant expansion of the Convention Planning Committee. The membership of the committee has been increased from 73 to 90,

Party sources disclosed that the expansion of the membership of the convention, is intended to accommodate more stakeholders and reflect the APC’s diverse political, regional, and ideological composition.

The expansion has brought in several prominent figures, including Senator Barry Mpigi and Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, alongside other top party chieftains.

The inclusion of Senator Barry Mpigi has particularly drawn attention within political circles. Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, is widely regarded as a close political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before his appointment into Tinubu’s cabinet, has continued to play an influential role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Mpigi’s addition to the convention committee is being interpreted by many observers as another signal of Tinubu’s broad-based political approach and his willingness to accommodate figures linked to different power centres.

Although Wike remains a controversial figure within some APC circles due to his political history, his alliance with President Tinubu during and after the 2023 elections has positioned him as a critical bridge between competing interests.

The inclusion of Mpigi, his close ally, is therefore seen as a calculated move aimed at consolidating support, particularly in the South-South region, where political loyalties remain fluid and highly strategic for national elections.

Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, another notable addition to the expanded committee, brings a different kind of experience to the table. Oloriegbe represented Kwara Central in the 9th Senate and currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

His legislative background and involvement in public sector governance are expected to add institutional depth and policy-oriented perspectives to the committee’s work.

Within the APC, reactions to the reshuffle have been mixed but largely measured. Some party members view the removal of Governor Uzodinma as a demotion, especially given his status as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and his visible role in party affairs.

Others, however, argue that his reassignment to treasurer still places him at the heart of convention planning and reflects the president’s intention to balance power rather than sideline influential figures.

Supporters of the move argue that Tinubu is being proactive in managing internal party tensions early, rather than allowing grievances to fester closer to the convention.

By expanding the committee and redistributing roles, the president may be seeking to ensure that no single individual or group can claim undue influence over the convention process, which will be critical in determining the party’s national leadership and strategic direction.

Kwara, Katsina Attacks: Nigeria’s Internal Security Architecture Has Failed – ADC

Ayodele Oni

February 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has observed that recent mass killings in Kwara and Katsina states by bandits, highlight deep structural failures in Nigeria’s internal security architecture, particularly in intelligence gathering, border control, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response capability.

The opposition party also queried the recent recruitment exercise carried out by the Nigeria Police, which the presidency claimed was by of emergency response to security challenges.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s much-publicized declaration of a state of emergency on security and the promised recruitment of thousands of police officers, noting that the continued wave of mass killings across the country suggests that these measures were either ineffective or merely rhetorical.

The ADC also raised concerns that the heightened security posture witnessed last year—following public comments by the President of the United States on Nigeria’s insecurity—may have been more about earning international approval than implementing a genuine, sustainable strategy to protect lives.

According to the party, the scale and frequency of killings since then clearly show that whatever measures the government has adopted are not working, arguing that the current security approach is merely redistributing terror rather than eliminating it.

“This horrific massacre is one of the worst atrocities recorded in recent times and stands as a painful reminder of the complete collapse of security across the country.

“What makes this tragedy even more troubling are growing concerns, as noted by several analysts, that the perpetrators may be terrorist elements displaced by the United States’ Christmas Day military action in Sokoto State, who are now relocating to other parts of the country due to weak internal security coordination.

“The grim conclusion from this development—now made evident by industrial-scale killings in areas previously considered safe—is that the Tinubu administration is not winning the war against terror; it is merely redistributing it.

“Whether it is the mass abductions in Kaduna or the mass killings in Kwara, both highlight deep structural failures in Nigeria’s internal security architecture, particularly in intelligence gathering, border control, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response capability.

“Nigerians are therefore compelled to ask serious questions. What has become of the President’s much-publicized declaration of a state of emergency on security announced in November 2025?

“Was it a sincere commitment to restoring safety, or merely a rhetorical response to mounting domestic and international pressure?

“The ADC recalls that the Presidency also announced a major recruitment drive into the Nigeria Police Force as part of this emergency response. Tens of thousands of new personnel were reportedly approved for recruitment.

“Nigerians deserve clear answers: Have these recruits been employed, trained, and deployed, or has the exercise quietly stalled? If such measures were genuinely implemented, rural communities like those in Kwara State should not be left completely exposed to mass slaughter.

“The painful truth is that Nigeria’s security crisis has moved beyond the competence and capacity of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

“Killings have become routine, accountability has vanished, and official responses have been reduced to condolences after each tragedy—ignoring the fact that any government unable to protect its citizens has failed in its most fundamental duty.

“The African Democratic Congress therefore calls on the Federal Government to immediately come clean with Nigerians on the true state of national security, account for the police recruitment it announced, and explain how it intends to halt the spread and relocation of terrorist groups across the country.

“Nigeria cannot continue on this path of denial and inaction. Lives are not statistics, and governance is not public relations. The ADC stands firmly with Nigerians in demanding competent leadership, honest governance, and a security strategy that protects lives rather than reacts after mass graves have been dug.”

Oyo: Commissioner Confiscates Artificially Ripened Fruits

Ayodele Oni

February 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

An attempt to hawk some fruits suspected to have been chemically ripened in some markets in Oyo state has been stalled by state government officials.

Officials of the Oyo State Government intercepted and seized the chemically ripened fruits during a food safety enforcement exercise at a market in Oyo town.

This is part of ongoing efforts to protect residents from the dangers of unsafe food practises,

The operation was carried out on Friday, by officials of the Department of Food, Water and Laboratory Services of the State Ministry of Health, following an anonymous tip-off.

During the exercise, about 12 baskets of mangoes artificially ripened with chemicals were confiscated, having been prepared for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.

Speaking during the enforcement activity, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, warned residents to be cautious about the sources of the food they consume, noting that the use of chemicals to preserve or enhance food items poses serious health risks.

She disclosed that the Ministry has received reports of sharp practices among some food vendors, including the use of hazardous substances to hasten fruit ripening.

Dr. Ajetunmobi said the interception was carried out based on credible intelligence received by the Ministry.

“The mandate of the Ministry of Health is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State.

“Based on credible information received, our officers moved in immediately and intercepted these chemically ripened fruits before they got to consumers,” she said.

The Commissioner explained that some vendors often soak unripe and immature mangoes in chemicals, causing them to appear ripe within hours.

She warned that while such fruits may not cause immediate harm, prolonged consumption could lead to chemical build-up in the body, which may result in cancer and other long-term health complications.

She also advised residents on how to identify chemically treated food items, noting that artificially ripened mangoes often have uneven colouring with green patches.

She added that vegetables may appear unnaturally green, while meat preserved with chemicals typically do not attract flies.

Dr. Ajetunmobi stressed that the interception serves as a warning to those engaged in unsafe food practices, urging residents to avoid patronising suspicious food items.

She further encouraged residents to adopt home-based gardening as a way of ensuring access to safe and healthy food.

In her remarks, the Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, Dr. Afusat Akande, confirmed that the seizure followed a report from a concerned member of the public.

She added that the Ministry has continued to engage food sellers’ associations across the state on food safety standards.

According to her, vendors and market associations have been sensitised and encouraged to report any unsafe practises within their markets, stressing that offenders will be sanctioned in line with existing regulations, while market associations will also be held accountable.

She also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to be mindful of the food they purchase and consume, particularly within school environments.

Landlady Arrested For Poisoning Tenant’s Three-Year Old Son

Ayodele Oni

February 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A landlady has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly poisoning, a three-year old boy of her tenant, following a brawl.

The incident happened last Wednesday at Omifon, in Odigbo local government area of the State.

The Command’s Spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the command has arrested a 40-year-old woman, Nafisat Lateef, in connection with the alleged poisoning of a three-year-old boy in Odigbo Local Government Area of the State.

According to report, “The incident was reported on Wednesday, 5th February 2026, at the Odigbo Police Division by the victim’s mother, Rofiyat, aged 32, both residents of Omifon, Odigbo.

“The incident occurred on Tuesday, 4th February 2026, at about 8:30 a.m., when the suspect allegedly gave the victim identified as Abdulrasheed, a liquid substance suspected to be poisonous.

“The act was reportedly carried out following a misunderstanding between the complainant and the suspect, who is the complainant’s landlady.

“Shortly after consuming the substance, the child began vomiting and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received medical attention.

“Police detectives, during a swift and intelligence-led operation, arrested the suspect. In the course of investigation, the detectives also recovered the liquid substance.

“The suspect is currently in police custody and has made useful statements. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing, and the case will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has advised residents of Ondo State to avoid landlord–tenant disputes, warning that such disagreements often lead to poor coexistence and could escalate into criminal acts.

He reassured members of the public that the Ondo State Police Command remains readily available to respond promptly to all complaints and is fully committed to ensuring justice in all cases.

INEC Cannot Choose Leadership For PDP – Turaki

Akinwale Kasali

February 6, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that has factionalized the Party, leading to mass defection and legal cases in Court is worsening.

This has prompted the Taminu Turaki led National Working Committee, NWC, PDP, to categorically state that Electoral Umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, cannot appoint leadership for the Party.

This disclosure was made by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, while reacting to INEC’s Quarterly Consultative Meeting with political parties, attended by the Abdulraman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee, NCC.

Ememobong also stated that the PDP is not aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting yesterday (Thursday).

“We are also aware that INEC extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.

“This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response.

“Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal.

“This include the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom.

“We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Ememobong said.

He, however, urged all PDP members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest, the Court of Appeal would hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of the party.

“We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure.

“It will ultimately surmount all these challenges to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.

My Father Passed On Again

The Source

February 6, 2026

By Abubakar Bukola Saraki

(A tribute to Otunba Adekunle Ojora)

We give all glory to Almighty Allah (SWT) for the life of The OTUNBA, my father-in-law, and my father.

I chose to address him by these three titles because, over the years, our relationship transformed from when, in the early 80s, as a young man growing up, he was the one many of my peers and I aspired to be like in the corporate world.

His accomplishments in the corporate world, his business acumen, his wisdom, his sophistication, his hard work and strength were values that we admired from afar. Yes, many people bear the traditional title of Otunba, but he was The OTUNBA.

He was miles above others.

At that period, I never knew I would become his son by marriage. It was an admiration from a distance. Then I married Toyin and became his son-in-law.

Personally, he was more than a father-in-law. He was a source of knowledge. I learnt from the best what it takes to stay at the top and how to stay consistent with one’s goals and aspirations.

He shared all the knowledge, experience, and insight with me. For that invaluable tutelage, I will always be grateful. His unwavering commitment to his family, particularly to Erelu, was unique.

At the early stage of my marriage to Toyin, I usually felt it would be difficult to get along with him. I would visit the family house and wonder why he had no equivalent of ‘Awon Boys’, his Ade Laoye, Koye Shogbola, and co around him. I mean, he had no ‘group of his own guys’ with whom he would gather at home, gist and socialise.

His own ‘Awon Boys’ one would regularly meet with at home is ERELU Ojuolape, his wife of 66 years.

Unlike me, who will always have his friends, political associates, aides, and supporters around to discuss and exchange ideas with.

As a result of this significant difference, I felt that maybe he would not warm up to me. However, over the years, we achieved the opposite. We both bonded. I experienced his undisputed love. I usually watched with delight as he glowed, beamed with a deep smile, and exuded pride and satisfaction whenever I came into his presence.

We would spend hours together talking about the country. Though he was not a politician, he was very passionate about the country. As a result of my involvement in politics, he became a closet politician. Otunba was so familiar with all political issues and developments that whenever we discussed, I would always be miffed about the accuracy of his information.

At one point, I found out that there was no published article in the newspapers or online about me, whether positive or negative, that he had not read. Sometimes, he served as my barometer for how my media team was performing. When I joked that “Otunba, with all this information at your disposal and how current you are about political developments, you cannot say you are not a politician”, he would laugh and respond, “That is what you have turned me into”.

Over the years, he trusted my judgement and showed it. His last words and conversation with me in the hospital were instructive. He said, “Buki, come and take me home”.

For me, that spoke volumes. It once again demonstrated that he relied on and trusted me as a son.

Otunba was a model to every young man who wanted to remain at the top echelon for a long time. He was a man who had been at the pinnacle of the socio-economic and cultural ladder of Nigerian society since the 1960s. He remained there till he was recalled by his maker last week. In a society like ours, this is a rare feat. It is challenging to stay successful and relevant for long because of several factors. These include the shifty nature of the political system and the prevalent ‘pull him down’ syndrome. Yet, Otunba was a perfect model of how to achieve enduring staying power.

In his death, the Nigerian private sector has lost a godfather, the social circle has lost a patron, the Lagos royal family has lost a dignified Prince, and the Lagos community has lost a leader. Still, we, the family, have lost a towering fountain of strength, an icon, a moral compass, and an institutional reference point.

Adieu, my second dad. May Almighty Allah (SWT) extend His infinite mercy to you in the grave and admit you into Aljannah Firdaus.

Your Son and friend

Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Dr Saraki, a two-time Governor of Kwara State, was the President, 8th Senate of the Federal Republic

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

Ayodele Oni

February 6, 2026

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.

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