APC leaders back Odigie-Oyegun for chairman
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APC leaders back Odigie-Oyegun for chairman

by Joseph Anthony
written by Joseph Anthony 136 views

Former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun appears set to emerge the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party’s convention will hold in Abuja today.

APC governors and key leaders reached a consensus on Odigie-Oyegun last night, it was gathered.

Also likely to emerge are Chief Segun Oni as Deputy Chairman (South) and Alhaji Kashim Imam (Nation Secretary).

The leaders were said to have prevailed on ex-Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva and a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, to step down for Odigie-Oyegun.

There were strong indications last night that Sylva and Jaja might not submit nomination forms to contest – in line with the “consensus agreement”.

But a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, is still pushing ahead  with his ambition to become chairman.

A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “After a series of meetings of our governors and leaders for about six hours, a consensus has been built around Odigie-Oyegun who has been a consistent progressive.

“Even from Edo State, Odigie-Oyegunis favoured ahead of Ikimi. His pedigree and sense of fairness over the years made the governors to settle for the ex-governor.

“As I am talking to you, most governors and leaders have bought into the Odigie-Oyegun project. Both Sylva and Jaja have been advised to concede to Odigie-Oyegun in order to move the party forward.They have agreed to step down.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “Ikimi is adamant in vying for the office; we will meet at the convention ground to make a choice between him and Odigie-Oyegun.

“I think it is going to be an Edo affair; then the delegates will exercise their right.”

The source, who also gave details on the preparations for the convention, said: “About four hours ago, it was as if we were not going to hold the convention, but wise counsel prevailed.

“Some external forces infiltrated the APC, but they failed in their bid to scuttle our convention. We know those being used and we decided to forge a common front.

“And since we have reached a consensus on the National Chairman, the rest offices are local affairs because they will be based on the zoning formula agreed upon by all our leaders.

“All the geopolitical zones are meeting to replicate the consensus formula to hold a rancour-free convention.”

Speaking with our correspondent last night, Odigie-Oyegun said: “I am strongly and irrevocably  in the race. Things are looking well. We urge God to answer our prayers.

“I pray that God should favour the man that would lift APC and make it the strongest political party in Nigeria. I think Friday is going to be unique; we are going to have a world-class National Convention.”

Pressed further on his chance, he added: “I think we have done a bit of our homework; it will be an interesting challenge.

“It is now for APC members and stakeholders to decide on who they want to lead the party.”

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