Odigie-Oyegun’s confession: APC cash-strapped

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Monday, said the harsh economic situation in the country was beginning to affect the operations of the party.
Odigie-Oyegun disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja. The chairman said in spite of the development, the party would not seek funding from government or any of its agencies.
“Yes, there has been this talk in the media about the state of our finances, but that goes to tell you that just like the economy, the party too is suffering the stress and the strains of funding just like every other institution in our polity.
“It also tells you that we are not a party that will draw funds from either security votes or from any government agencies; we are working on plans to raise resources from within the membership. The plans have matured and very soon they will go into operation.
On whether Sen. Uche Ekwunife, who defected to the APC this month from the PDP was cheated out of the race for Anambra Central seat, Odigie-Oyegun said she went through the nomination process.
“It was very nice there were two ladies. She scored less than 51 per cent which was the pass mark.’’
He said politicians were free to join the party under the freedom of association, but should not expect to become leaders overnight.
On allegation of selective prosecution of corrupt officers, the chairman said Nigerians should not undermine the intent of what was going on.
“If we want to save this country, then, we must be serious about it. Wherever the train goes, there we will also go. All attempts to divert attention from the reality will just not work. If you are caught with your hands in the till, then you must account for it and let me say the good thing happening now is that one or two states have started their own.’’
He said the mere fact that the president had started the investigation was a fact that he would be careful not to fall victim of corruption.