From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has literarily become a ghost house since the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun commenced a 10-day vacation on Monday February, 29. Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) literally avoided the secretariat.
Daily Sun investigations indicated that the crack in the leadership of the party seems to be widening over Oyegun’s future, especially as the acting chairman, Segun Oni, practically relocated to the office of the national chairman, fueling speculations that Chief Oyegun may be on the way out. A lingering squabble in the national executive of the APC over the inability of some of them to account for funds in their custody, has contributed in worsening uncertainty in the party.
Although there were speculations that Oyegun was forced on a compulsory leave which may end his tenure as the pioneer chairman of APC, he, however dismissed the rumour, when he stressed that he is only on his first leave, since he became chairman two years ago.
“I have been chairman for how long now? Going to two years, and it has been a very intense period building the party and a very intense period putting government together up to this point.
“All that has happened is that I think I deserve a bit of rest, from Monday, and, in my absence, my deputy here, Oni will cover my beat. It is that simple, it is that straightforward. Any speculation about not being in the office is of no consequence.
“I was down with malaria last week, I managed to attend that crucial meeting at the Presidency. I went to the hospital just to be sure. So, please, please, please, I know the media are supposed to be imaginative and steer the news but not when there is really nothing to steer. It is that simple,” he told journalists before proceeding on leave last week. Regardless, sources at the national secretariat, told Daily Sun that nearly all the national officers, except Oni and national youth leader, Dasuki Jalo, who breezed in on Monday and Tuesday stayed away. One of them who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “All the national officers are staying away because they don’t want to answers questions regarding the running of the party.
“There are some elements of truth in the speculation over Oyegun’s future, especially as the acting national chairman, Segun Oni, has moved into the chairman’s office. This is an indication that Oyegun might not come back, because if you are acting as chairman, he supposed to act from his own office, not from Oyegun’s office.”