Former APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun has publicly apologised to Nigerians for his role in bringing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu to power during the 2023 general election. Oyegun, who served as APC National Chairman between 2015 and 2019 before defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2026, described the 2023 election outcome as a "mistake" that Nigerians are now paying for.
Oyegun's Apology at ADC Town Hall in Benin City
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Benin City, where the ADC welcomed its vice-presidential candidate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Oyegun said the 2027 general election offered Nigerians a chance to correct course and get the country moving in the right direction. The former Edo State Governor also voiced concern about what he called political intimidation in Edo State, citing alleged threats involving AK-47 rifles. He questioned whether that kind of atmosphere was the one the people of Edo truly wanted for themselves.
Amaechi Criticises Tinubu's Economic Policies
Amaechi, speaking at the same event, turned his attention to the economic direction of the Tinubu administration. He argued that government policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, had fuelled inflation and made life harder for ordinary Nigerians. He said those policies were pushing more people into poverty on a daily basis.
ADC Positions Itself Ahead of 2027 Election
The town hall in Benin City marked a significant moment for the ADC, which has been positioning itself ahead of the 2027 elections. The party's decision to host Amaechi in Edo State signals an effort to build momentum in the South-South region. Oyegun's public admission is notable given his history as one of the founding figures of the APC and a key actor in the political realignment that brought Tinubu's party to dominance in Nigerian politics.
