Sanwo-Olu Reportedly in Trouble as Tinubu Uncovers Alleged Secret Funding to Opposition

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is facing a political crisis after President Bola Tinubu received reports that he may have secretly funneled funds to opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar. The revelations, uncovered through a security investigation, have sparked intense scrutiny and could jeopardize the governor’s political future.

According to sources familiar with the matter, a security report presented to the president detailed how Aisha Achimugu, a close associate of Sanwo-Olu, allegedly facilitated the transfer of funds that ultimately reached Obi and Abubakar. While the exact amount and timeline remain unclear, investigators believe further details will emerge, prompting additional briefings to the president.

The news reportedly left Tinubu feeling betrayed, with one administration official describing his reaction as uncharacteristically hurt. “The president was furious when he was informed that this actually happened,” the source said, emphasizing that despite Tinubu’s long political experience, this revelation struck a personal chord.

Attempts to obtain comments from Obi and Abubakar’s spokespeople were unsuccessful. However, the implications of the investigation could be significant for Sanwo-Olu, raising concerns about his ability to complete his tenure, maintain his relationship with Tinubu, and advance his political career beyond 2027.

Investigators reportedly expanded their probe into Achimugu’s financial activities following suspicions that she played a key role in moving funds for Sanwo-Olu both domestically and internationally. It was during this probe that her involvement in transferring money to opposition figures after the 2023 elections came to light. Officials believe the payments may have been part of a compromise following Tinubu’s unexpected defeat in Lagos during the presidential election.

Tinubu won the presidency with 36% of the vote in February 2023, while Abubakar and Obi secured 29% and 25% respectively. Since then, both opposition leaders have remained vocal critics of Tinubu’s administration, frequently condemning his economic and social policies.

A government official suggested that Sanwo-Olu’s actions were bound to be uncovered. “They should’ve known that the president has informants everywhere,” the source said. “And Governor Sanwo-Olu especially should have known that he couldn’t get away with aligning with opposition figures determined to undermine the president.”

Sanwo-Olu, who rose to power in 2019 after Tinubu orchestrated the removal of his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is now in a precarious position. The allegations surfaced amid an ongoing corruption probe into Achimugu, though she has not publicly commented on the claims.

Presidential spokespeople have declined to comment on the matter, citing the confidential nature of security reports. Efforts to reach Sanwo-Olu and his media team for a response were unsuccessful.

Adding to his troubles, Sanwo-Olu’s rumored relationship with Achimugu has drawn further scrutiny. An aide to the governor suggested that this aspect of the scandal, coupled with his recent political missteps—including his handling of Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment—could worsen his standing with Tinubu.

“The governor was already under pressure for his role in the impeachment and his failure to quickly push for Obasa’s reinstatement,” the aide said. “Now, it looks like he has landed in yet another crisis so soon.”

The developments have already led to fallout within Lagos political circles. A former Lagos police commissioner was reportedly removed from his post due to suspicions that he worked with Sanwo-Olu during Obasa’s impeachment saga. A source within the administration described the situation as increasingly worrisome for Sanwo-Olu’s inner circle, with concerns growing over how the president might respond to these latest revelations.