In a recent development, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto, and his allies have come under scrutiny for attempting to create a factional Mandate Movement group within the Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC).
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reportedly informed his close associates that he has never instructed Baba Eto, Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, or anyone else to create a factional group.
According to sources, the President has communicated to some of his close associates that he is currently working round the clock to find lasting solutions to the economic situation facing the country. However, all Eto could do was create a political crisis for personal gains.
On Wednesday, 28th February 2024, Baba Eto and his associates organized a meeting at GRA Ikeja, dubbing it the “Mandate Lagos CWC inauguration.” Reacting to the news, Chief Olu Arulogun, the chairman of all chairmen of The Mandate Movement, under the leadership of Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, challenged Eto to cease misleading members and Lagosians with his individual agenda.
The Mandate Movement, with its extensive structure across zones, wards, LGAs, and states, has been in existence since its establishment and was further stretched across the federation by Enilolobo and others during the campaign period to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Enilolobo currently serves as the Lagos State Chairman of the Mandate Movement, emphasizing that the group has thrived across the federation.
Chief Olu Arulogun, while advising Eto to avoid creating unnecessary crises, urged Nigerians to maintain hope and continue praying for the success of President Tinubu.
Finally, Arulogun stated that the purported inauguration preparations, including the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Eto minority camp using the name of The Mandate Movement, lack legitimacy. The general public is hereby advised, as the leadership of the group is entirely unaware of such an event.