CivicWire.ng Exclusive: Anibaba Resurfaces at Mandate Movement’s 2026 Kickoff – Clears Rumors, Empowers Youth in Surprise Appearance at Bamigbetan’s Residence

Published: January 31, 2026

Ejigbo, Lagos State

In a surprising twist to the ongoing mystery of “Where is Anibaba?”, CivicWire.ng has spotted Habib Anibaba, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant for Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), making a low-key but impactful reappearance in Lagos political circles. The sighting occurred at the Mandate Movement’s very first meeting of 2026, held at the residence of Honorable Kehinde Bamigbetan (KOK) on Ona Iwa Mimo Street, Ilasa, Oshodi-Isolo. This event, convened on January 30, 2026, marks Anibaba’s first public engagement since his controversial exit from the 2025 APC primaries spotlight, where he had secured strong grassroots support but ultimately stepped aside amid disputed results.

CivicWire’s on-the-ground sources confirm Anibaba’s active participation, where he addressed party faithful, dispelled lingering rumors about his political ambitions, and championed youth involvement in governance. The gathering, attended by APC stalwarts and Mandate loyalists, underscores the faction’s enduring influence in Lagos politics—rooted in Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s legacy—and hints at potential reconciliations or new alliances ahead of 2027 elections. As Ejigbo LCDA under current Chairman Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT) focuses on 2026 budgeting, Anibaba’s return could signal a broader push for unity or a subtle comeback bid.

The Meeting: A Blend of Politics, Humor, and Empowerment

The Mandate Movement’s inaugural 2026 session at Bamigbetan’s home drew a cross-section of Ejigbo and Oshodi-Isolo stakeholders, emphasizing party renewal and community development. Anibaba, a banker with over 30 years in Ejigbo, was invited to speak, breaking his months-long silence post-primaries.

• Addressing the Rumors: Anibaba directly tackled whispers that “someone bought the LCDA chairmanship form for him” during the 2025 race. He dismissed the claims with characteristic wit, joking: “Out of a banker and a smuggler, who will have more money?” The quip, delivered without elaboration, elicited laughter and nods, effectively quelling speculation while avoiding deep dives into the primaries’ alleged irregularities. Sources note he kept it light, focusing on his self-funded campaign ethos rather than naming names.
• Youth Empowerment Spotlight: As the meeting wound down, Anibaba seized a second opportunity to speak, calling forward attendees “just 18 years old.” He encouraged the young group—estimated at 5–10 individuals—to dive deeper into politics, stressing: “Your voice matters now more than ever; participate, lead, and shape our future.” In a generous gesture, he empowered each with ₦100,000 cash grants to support their initiatives or education. Additionally, one youth received a brand-new smartphone, symbolizing connectivity in civic engagement.

The event, lasting about two hours, reinforced Mandate’s role in nurturing talent, with Bamigbetan (a former Lagos Commissioner for Information) hosting as a nod to his mentorship of figures like Anibaba. No formal agenda on reconciliation with TAT’s camp was discussed, but the atmosphere hinted at thawing tensions from the 2025 “acclaimed annulment” saga.

Social Media Pulse: Quiet Buzz Amid Speculation

News of Anibaba’s appearance trickled onto X (formerly Twitter) via insider shares, with #AnibabaReturns and #Mandate2026 gaining modest traction (under 500 mentions by midday January 31). Sentiment leans positive (70% supportive), with users praising his youth focus amid Nigeria’s 53% youth unemployment rate (NBS 2025 data). Engagement is low-key, reflecting Anibaba’s subdued profile, but posts from APC-aligned handles like @LagosAPCWatch (150+ views) speculate on a 2027 play: “Anibaba back? Watch for Ejigbo moves.”

Snapshot of early X reactions (January 30–31, 2026):

The buzz ties into broader #LagosPolitics trends, up 15% this week, with users tagging Bamigbetan for “mentorship masterclass.”

Civic Implications: A Step Toward Reconciliation or Revival?

Anibaba’s sighting answers CivicWire’s earlier query—”Where is Anibaba?”—while raising new ones: Is this a prelude to reconciliation in Ejigbo’s fractured APC? Or a strategic pivot to his banking roots with civic undertones? His youth empowerment aligns with national calls for inclusion (e.g., Nigeria’s Youth Agenda 2025), potentially bridging generational gaps in a suburb grappling with flooding and economic woes.

CivicWire recommends:

• Party Unity Drives: Mandate should host formal reconciliation forums to heal 2025 rifts.
• Youth Programs: Scale Anibaba’s grants via LCDA budgets for sustained impact.
• Transparency in Politics: Aspirants like Anibaba should document funding sources to dispel rumors.

As 2027 looms, Anibaba’s humor-laced return reminds: In Lagos politics, silence often precedes strategy. CivicWire will monitor for updates.

CivicWire.ng: Breaking Civic Truths, First & Fair. Tips? civicwire.ng/contact. Follow @CivicWireNG for updates.