The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused a former national chairman of the party and ex-Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, of failing to settle outstanding financial obligations allegedly owed to the party.
The party said the alleged debt, which it put at more than ₦150 million, stemmed from loans and unpaid membership dues accumulated over several years while Oyegun was still a member of the APC.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, and signed by the Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, the party said repeated efforts to recover the money had yielded no result.
“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 alleged liabilities included loans reportedly granted to Oyegun during his tenure as APC national chairman, as well as membership dues he allegedly failed to remit.
“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.
According to him, the public demand became unavoidable after what he described as Oyegun’s refusal to meet his financial responsibilities 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,” Tenebe added.
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Oyegun, however, rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
He said the claims reflected anxiety within the APC over the growing influence of the 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.
He accused the APC of resorting to intimidation and verbal attacks instead of serious political planning.
“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,” Oyegun said.
He added, “We are on the ground, and whatever way they want to choose, we are waiting for them.”
Also reacting, Dr Isaiah Osifo, a political aide to Oyegun and former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, dismissed Tenebe’s claims and questioned his authority.
“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.