Anibaba declares bid for Ejigbo LCDA Chairmanship, pledges servant-leadership 

Habeeb Omowunmi Anibaba on Thursday formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), promising a leadership style rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and grassroots-driven development.

Addressing a crowd of party leaders, supporters, and community members at the Ejigbo Mini Stadium, Ejigbo, Lagos, Anibaba described his decision as “a pledge to serve, to uplift, and to advance the aspirations of the great people of Ejigbo.”

Delivering a speech titled “A Mandate from the People: Acceptance and Commitment”, Anibaba, a long-time member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former banker, expressed deep appreciation to The Mandate Movement for backing his candidacy following a peaceful shadow primary held on April 13.

“We demonstrated the power of the people guided by a leadership that cherishes democracy and responsibility,” he said. “We showed that shadow primaries can be held without violence, without rancour, without disorder.”

Anibaba recounted his longstanding connection with Ejigbo, stating, “For over thirty years, I have lived among you—walked the same streets, shared in your celebrations and your struggles, and watched Ejigbo evolve into a strong and proud community. My roots are here, and my future, too.”

Reflecting on his transition from the private sector to politics, Anibaba said, “I built a successful career at Zenith Bank, where I was trained in excellence, diligence, and accountability. I chose to leave that comfort zone—not out of restlessness, but out of deep conviction… where impact is measured not by profits, but by people’s progress.”

He also referenced his past political engagements, including his decision to step aside from a 2019 House of Representatives race in favour of party unity.

“To me, party supremacy, discipline and collective progress come before personal ambition,” he noted.

Anibaba commended the efforts of the incumbent chairman, Monsurudeen Oloyede-Bello, stating, “We have witnessed foundational progress under his stewardship… I step forward—not to replace, but to continue and elevate.”

His speech was rich with pledges aimed at winning public confidence. “I commit to uphold the trust you’ve placed in me, to listen to your concerns, and to work tirelessly for the development and prosperity of our beloved Ejigbo LCDA,” he vowed.

“To the leaders of our great party, I am ready to serve with honour, loyalty, and discipline. To the Mandate Movement family, thank you for your belief in me. Together, we will light a new torch of hope in Ejigbo,” Anibaba declared.

He closed with an emotional appeal to the electorate: “To the good people of Ejigbo—men, women, youths, artisans, elders, the vibrant and the silent—I am yours. I am running, not just to be called Chairman, but to be your servant-leader, your advocate, and your voice at the table of governance.”

Former Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Kehinde Bamigbetan called on APC members to drum support for Anibaba during the party’s primary election coming soon, saying that he is a trusted hand.

According to him, 11 chairmanship aspirants from the Mandate Group took part in the shadow primary from where Anibaba emerged as the favourite to vie for the APC primary election to choose a flag-bearer for the party in the forthcoming LG elections.