By Abiola Olawale
How Lagos Gov’s Attendance of Achimugu’s 50th Birthday Raised Red flag.
In a dramatic turn of events, the once presumed unshakable political ties between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State have, in recent days, been showing visible cracks.
Before now, the relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu, the later being a long-time protégé of the President, has been described as a “father-son” enduring relationship.
However, recent political developments tend to suggest this bond has unraveled over what key political insiders described as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s alleged political impropriety and miscalculation during the 2023 presidential elections.
Insider sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC), who spoke with The New Diplomat confirmed that at the heart of the reported issues confronting the governor is his alleged controversial connection to Madam Aisha Achimugu, a prominent Abuja based socialite and perceived ally of the governor, who has been allegedly linked to allegations of funneling funds to some opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 Presidential elections.
Recall also that Sanwo-Olu had been sighted and indeed fingered for allegedly attending Achimugu’s lavish 50th birthday celebration held in Grenada last year.
In fact, when photos of the Lagos State Governor’s attendance at the lavish event went public, a development which many believed raised serious concern in top government circles, the reaction from the top hierarchy of the ruling APC was said to have been one of shock.
A top political source revealed:”Achimugu was an ally, to some in politics, and some allegedly relied on her for high-stakes dealings. Achimugu was trusted with sensitive dealings. The plan was to play all sides, while ensuring political survival no matter who won the presidency in that 2023 presidential elections.”
Recall that in the 2023 presidential polls, Mr Peter Obi of the Labour party won in Lagos State with Tinubu of the APC coming second. Political analysts argue that the blame lies solely at the door step of Governor Sanwo-Olu “for alleged political impropriety and political slip.”
Sources also revealed that the deepening rift between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu is further fueled by allegations of political insincerity. While it is not clear how this will play out but there are claims that these dynamics may play out, it is evident that the issues are already been noticed by many.
Recall that Tinubu recently snubbed Sanwo-Olu during the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Recall also that in March, reports had emerged indicating that suspicious funds from an Abuja Socialite, Achimugu, whom Sanwo-Olu attended her 50th birthday in far away Grenada had somehow reached Obi and Atiku’s political inner teams, prior to the 2023 presidential election.
Weeks after the reports emerged, Achimugu was declared wanted by the EFCC in March 2025 for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.
“Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State and her last known address is: 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja,” EFCC said in a notice.
This report is coming as some topshots of the APC, particularly within the powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC), are said to be pushing to hold Governor Sanwo-Olu accountable for the loss of Lagos during the 2023 presidential elections.
However, Atiku had in the past refuted claims that Sanwo-Olu contributed funds to his campaign during the last presidential election.
Atiku said this in a statement issued by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, stating that the reports in the media that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, made available to Atiku Abubakar, money purportedly belonging to Lagos State is not true.”
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