Breaking: Odigie-Oyegun gives up on tenure extension, calls NWC meeting for 8am

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has given up on his quest to remain as the boss of the party for at least the next one year.
This followed Odigie-Oyegun’s decision late on Sunday to summon a meeting of the National Working Committee of the party for 8am on Monday (today) ahead of the National Executive Committee meeting billed for 11am.
Before the decision, the plot was for the embattled National Chairman to muscle his way through the NEC for the elongation of his tenure as well as those of other layers of executives of the party.
President Muhammadu Buhari had at the last NEC meeting criticised the decision to extend Odigie-Oyegun’s tenure, saying it runs against the constitutions of both the party and the country.
Since then, there have been a flurry of activities in the party, including the setting up of a Technical Committee, headed by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, to advice on the issue.
Lalong submitted the committee’s report on Thursday.
It was scheduled for debate at the NEC meeting on Monday.
However, this may no longer be necessary as sources told The Eagle online that Odigie-Oyegun has decided to step down.
A member of the NWC told The Eagle Online: “We have all been waiting to see how things will play out on Monday at the NEC meeting until Chairman (Odigie-Oyegun) sent us a text message summoning us for an emergency NWC meeting.
“That can only be a pointer to one thing: a decision to throw in the towel.
“And from what we learnt, the chairman believes the game is over.
“And instead of going to the NEC to be defeated and disgraced, it would be better for him to tow the path of honour by resigning ahead of the meeting.”
Sources said the NWC may put in place a timetable for the election of officers for the party from the Ward to the National levels for discussion and adoption at the NEC meeting scheduled for 11am.
It could not be ascertained if Odigie-Oyegun will be seeking re-election.
However, sources said some of his backers, especially State Governors, have advised him to seek reelection.
Their contention is that it will be a way of democratically endorsing his leadership of the party for another term.
But some of the governors are already backing a former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for the plum job.
Oshiomhole and Odigie-Oyegun both hail from Edo State.