Edo APC demands N150M debt from ex-chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, who dismisses claims as baseless amid rising ADC influence
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally demanded the settlement of alleged debts totaling N150 million from former APC National Chairman and ex-Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
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In a statement on Thursday, Edo APC Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe claimed that the debts included loans allegedly advanced to Oyegun during his tenure as national chairman, as well as accumulated membership dues spanning several years.
According to Tenebe, repeated official requests for repayment have been ignored.
“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,” Tenebe said.
The chairman added that the open demand was necessary due to Oyegun’s alleged refusal to honour his financial obligations to the party that provided him with a platform for political growth.
Reacting, Odigie-Oyegun, who has since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissed the claims as baseless and described them as a sign of panic within the APC.
He said the allegations were a response to the ADC’s growing strength and presence in Edo State politics.
“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,” Oyegun said.
“They now know they are in trouble. We are ready for them.”
Odigie-Oyegun further criticised the APC for using hostility, violence, and abusive rhetoric rather than engaging politically in a constructive manner. He reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to legitimate political engagement.
Supporting Oyegun, his aide Dr Isaiah Osifo described the APC’s claims as illegitimate, arguing that Tenebe lacked the authority to audit Oyegun’s financial or administrative decisions.
He highlighted Oyegun’s integrity and past political contributions, asserting that his leadership had strengthened the APC in previous elections.
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The dispute reflects growing tensions between the ruling APC and the ADC in Edo State, ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
