After weeks of media war, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun met with his rival, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday.
Tinubu had few weeks ago called for the resignation of Oyegun on the ground that the latter sabotaged the will of democracy in Ondo State by overriding the decision of the appeal panel which asked for a fresh governorship primary.
This was following investigations which allegedly showed that the delegates’ list used for the exercise was tampered with.
Tinubu had said, “Oyegun’s comportment regarding the Ondo State primary will become the textbook definition of political treachery and malfeasance of the basest order. In early September, the state primary was held.
“A purported winner was named. Having faith in the ways of the party, Tinubu publicly accepted what he assumed to be a verdict honestly derived. As a democrat, one must face the possibility of defeat and accept such as outcome with as much grace as one would embrace victory.
“One of the few bright spots during the conduct of the primaries was Jigawa Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. He chaired the primary convention with decorum and impartiality. He was unaware that a tampered list had been slipped into the process.”
In his response, Oyegun said he would not like to join issues with Tinubu who he descried as a respected man.
He had said, “Asiwaju is a well respected leader of our party; so, I cannot be seen speaking evil against him. I have to consult properly with other leaders of the party before we make any definite statement. Again, you know we have a crucial election here in Edo, which is my priority right now.”
However, when the two political leaders for the first time met since the drama at the official unveiling of a book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria”, authored by a professor of International Studies, John Paden, in Abuja, they exchanged pleasantries amid laughter.
Donned in a flowing gray traditional apparel, Oyegun walked up to Tinubu and stretched his hand for a shake.
Tinubu who was garbed in brown agbada quickly responded amid smile and both spoke for some minutes before moving to their various seats.
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