EGYTPTIAN PRESIDENT HOSNI Mubarak  could be on the verge of stepping down according to reports emerging from the country.

The BBC report that a senior member of Egypt’s governing party the National Democratic Party (NDP) has told them he “hopes” President Mubarak will transfer power to his Vice President Omar Suleiman.

Mubarak is likely to address the nation tonight according to the BBC who say the fact the president’s departure is being discussed is a big development.

Channel 4 News’ correspondent in the country Lindsay Hilsum has tweeted to say that the secretary general of the NDP has told her Mubarak will transfer power to his deputy tonight.

Reuters are also reporting on the story saying that a senior military officer has told protestors against Mubarak in Cairo’s Tahrir Square that “everything will be realised”.

President Mubarak has been under pressure to resign since protesters took to the streets of Cairo and other Egyptian cities in January, demanding an end to his 30-year rule of the country.