Former Edo State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has apologised to Nigerians for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general election.
Oyegun, who served as APC National Chairman from 2015 to 2019 before defecting to the ADC in 2026, said Nigerians were suffering the consequences of what he described as a mistake in electing Tinubu and the ruling party.
He expressed optimism that the 2027 general election would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to correct the mistake and redirect the country towards development.
Oyegun made the remarks in Benin City, Edo State, during a town hall meeting organised to receive former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi.
“Today, we are suffering from the terrible mistake of 2023 nationwide. Now is the time to rescue the nation by presenting former Vice President Atiku and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, to rescue the nation,” he said.
The former APC national chairman said the ADC was positioning itself to provide an alternative to the current administration, adding that the party intended to mobilise Nigerians ahead of the next general election.
“The ADC mission now is to rescue the nation. Yes, we made such a mistake, but we are bringing Atiku, with his vast experience, and Amaechi, who is fearless. We were deceived once, and we won’t allow ourselves to be deceived again,” Oyegun stated.
Oyegun Raises Concerns Over Political Intimidation
Beyond his criticism of the Federal Government, Oyegun expressed concern over what he described as political intimidation in Edo State.
He particularly raised allegations involving threats with AK-47 rifles, questioning whether such an environment reflected the kind of political atmosphere residents wanted.
His remarks came amid growing political realignments and preparations by opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi Criticises Tinubu’s Economic Policies
Speaking at the event, Amaechi criticised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, arguing that they were worsening poverty and increasing the financial burden on Nigerians.
The former Rivers State governor specifically faulted the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy had contributed to rising inflation and placed additional pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.
Amaechi argued that the economic difficulties facing Nigerians required a change in policy direction, as the opposition seeks to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
The comments by Oyegun and Amaechi underscore the ADC’s emerging political messaging ahead of the next general election, with the party seeking to capitalise on public concerns about economic hardship, governance and insecurity.
The 2027 election is expected to feature intense competition between the ruling APC and opposition parties seeking to present an alternative to the Tinubu administration.
