Drama Unfolds as Oyegun's 'APC' Slip Elicits Laughter at ADC Convention
In a moment of political theater, John Odigie-Oyegun, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), inadvertently shouted "APC" during the party's national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) quickly corrected himself by calling out "ADC," but the slip of the tongue sparked widespread amusement among delegates and ignited a flurry of reactions on social media.
Oyegun's Reflex and Humorous Recovery
After his initial mistake, Oyegun paused and asked, "No, no, did I just say APC?" This prompted former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye to interject with a light-hearted remark, suggesting Oyegun needed to "seek refuge from the devil." In response, Oyegun humorously noted that he would require a strong "purgative" to flush out the lingering APC reflex from his system, playing along with the jovial atmosphere that followed the incident.
Political Ambitions and 2027 Elections
Despite the slip, Oyegun used the platform to reaffirm the ADC's determination to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's APC in the upcoming 2027 general elections. He declared, "We are ready to take over Aso Rock, and it is not going to be business as usual. I want everybody to know that because they keep accusing us that John, you were part of them." This statement underscores the ongoing political realignments and rivalries shaping Nigeria's electoral landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.
Social Media Reactions and Public Sentiment
The video of Oyegun's slip quickly went viral, eliciting mixed responses from Nigerians online. Some users, like @OgbeniOwa, expressed skepticism about the ADC's intentions, labeling it as "the same old, same old politician." Others, such as @officialTifiola, joked about Oyegun's lingering allegiance to the APC, while @Beyondlimit2020 highlighted the frequent party-switching in Nigerian politics. Comments ranged from amusement to concern, reflecting the diverse public perceptions of political figures and their maneuvers.
Broader Context: ADC Internal Conflicts and Logistical Challenges
The convention also highlighted internal strife within the ADC, as the party expelled members like Nafiu Bala and Leke Abejide over alleged anti-party activities. Additionally, logistical issues arose when air conditioners failed at the Rainbow Event Centre, causing discomfort for delegates. Despite this, Dino Melaye assured attendees that the convention would proceed, emphasizing resilience in the face of challenges. These elements illustrate the complexities and hurdles facing opposition parties as they gear up for the 2027 elections.
Overall, Oyegun's slip serves as a humorous yet telling episode in Nigeria's political narrative, blending moments of levity with serious electoral ambitions and internal party dynamics.
