Where is Anibaba?

Habib Anibaba, the former chairmanship aspirant for Ejigbo LCDA under the APC, appears to have maintained a low public profile since the 2025 primaries controversy. As of January 2026, there are no recent public updates on his whereabouts or current activities. He was last prominently mentioned in Lagos political circles during his campaign in Ejigbo, where he resides. Given his long-term ties to the area (over 30 years), it’s likely he remains based in Lagos, possibly focusing on his banking career or private endeavors away from the spotlight. The lack of reconciliation or statements post-primary suggests he may have stepped back from active politics for now. Where is Anibaba today? Only time—or a public reappearance—will tell.

The Incident of the Acclaimed Annulment of the APC Primary Election in Ejigbo LCDA

The 2025 All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairmanship in Lagos State was marked by intense competition, endorsements, and subsequent controversies that led to claims of annulment. The process unfolded in April-May 2025, ahead of the July 2025 local government elections. Habib Anibaba, a seasoned banker and long-time Ejigbo resident, was a prominent aspirant who initially emerged as a frontrunner, but the saga took a twist with rumors and claims of irregularities, culminating in an “acclaimed annulment” that left many questions unanswered.

Lead-Up to the Primary

• Anibaba’s Declaration and Early Momentum: On May 1, 2025, Anibaba formally declared his intention to contest at the Ejigbo Mini-Stadium, emphasizing continuity, transparency, and economic empowerment. He positioned himself as a technocrat ready to build on the legacy of incumbent Chairman Hon. Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (Obe). Anibaba’s campaign gained traction with endorsements from party stakeholders, including former Commissioner Kehinde Bamigbetan (KOK), who praised his readiness and popularity.
• Mandate Movement Primary: On April 17, 2025, Anibaba won the Mandate Movement’s internal primary with 559 votes, defeating 10 other aspirants. This victory was celebrated as a strong indicator of grassroots support within the APC’s influential Mandate faction in Ejigbo.

The Primary Election and Claimed Irregularities

• Official APC Primary (May 2025): The APC’s state-wide primaries for local government positions were held in late May 2025. In Ejigbo, the process was reportedly marred by allegations of irregularities, including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and procedural flaws. While APC annulled primaries in 10 other LGAs/LCDAs (e.g., Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin) due to violence and non-compliance, Ejigbo was not officially listed. However, local reports and social media claims suggested a similar fate, with some party members “acclaiming” an annulment due to disputes over results.
• Disputed Outcome: Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT) emerged as the winner in the official tally, securing the APC ticket. Anibaba’s supporters alleged foul play, claiming the process was manipulated to favor TAT. This led to whispers of an “annulment” by dissatisfied factions, though no official APC statement confirmed it for Ejigbo. The state party leadership moved forward, endorsing TAT, who went on to win the general election in July 2025 and assumed office as Ejigbo LCDA Chairman.

Anibaba’s Silence and Lack of Reconciliation

• No Public Statement from Anibaba: Following the primary results and the acclaimed annulment claims, Anibaba remained notably silent. Despite his earlier vocal campaign and strong showing in the Mandate primary, he issued no public statement challenging the outcome, conceding defeat, or addressing the alleged irregularities. This absence of response fueled speculation about internal party pressures or strategic withdrawal.
• No Reported Reconciliation: There were no documented efforts at reconciliation among party members in Ejigbo. Factions supporting Anibaba and TAT appeared divided, with social media posts highlighting tensions. However, no formal meetings, apologies, or unity events were reported. The lack of reconciliation left lingering divisions, though it did not escalate to open conflict.

Party Affairs Continued as Normal

• Business as Usual: Despite the drama, APC activities in Ejigbo and Oshodi-Isolo proceeded without disruption. TAT’s campaign gained momentum, supported by key figures like Bamigbetan, and the party focused on the general election. Post-election, TAT’s administration rolled out initiatives like the 2026 budget and stakeholder forums, with no mention of the primary saga. The party maintained unity outwardly, emphasizing governance over internal disputes, as if the acclaimed annulment never occurred.

The saga underscores the complexities of grassroots politics in Lagos, where ambition, loyalty, and party directives often intersect. With TAT now in office, the focus has shifted to development, leaving many to wonder about Anibaba’s next move.