Apprehension Over Oyegun’s Fate

The absence of the national chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has caused a lull in the activities of the party.
There are indications that Oyegun might have been instructed to proceed on a compulsory leave, a situation that party observers believed might end his tenure as the pioneer chairman.
THISDAY gathered that even members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have deserted their offices apparently to avoid enquiries from the media and other members of the party who suspect that the national chairman is being shoved aside.

At the National Secretariat of the party on Tuesday, some staff and members of the party could be seen discussing the sudden decision of Oyegun to proceed on leave.
Some of the staff who spoke to THISDAY but did not want to be mentioned  were of the opinion that Oyegun must has been forced to proceed on a compulsory leave which may end his tenure as the pioneer chairman of APC.
Oyegun, while reacting to the reports told newsmen on Friday that he would be starting a 10-day leave on Monday.
When asked on the reason for the break,  the APC national chairman said: “I have been chairman for how long now? It is 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 a break and that will start effective Monday and in my absence my deputy here, Engr Segun 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. On Tuesday I was down with malaria, I managed on Wednesdayto attend that crucial meeting at the Presidency, yesterday (last Thursday) I had to go to the hospital just to be sure and today I am at work, full stop.
“So please, I know the press is supposed to be imaginative and steer the news but not when there is really nothing to steer. It is that simple,” he surmised
THISDAY gathered that with the absence of Oyegun nearly all the national officers could not be found at the the national secretariat of the party.
It was learnt that only the acting chairman, Segun Oni and national youth leader, Dasuki Jalo, were seen in the office on Monday and Tuesday
A staff of the Secretariat who pleaded not to be named told newsmen in confidence that “all the national officers are staying away because they don’t want to be bombarded with questions on affairs of the party.”
Another source revealed that the acting national chairman, Segun Oni, has moved to Oyegun’s office, saying “that is an indication that Oyegun might not come back because if he was acting as chairman, he was supposed to act from his own office not Oyegun’s.”