President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally declared Hon. Adebisi Yusuff, popularly known as Bisi Yusuf, as the new political leader of Alimosho, a position once held by Rauf Aregbesola.

Tinubu made the declaration in a birthday message to Yusuf on Thursday, describing him as “the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.”

The recognition is viewed in political circles as a direct move to nullify the lingering influence of Aregbesola, Tinubu’s estranged ally.

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Aregbesola, a former two-term governor of Osun State and ex-minister of interior, built his political career on the platform of Tinubu’s structure, with Alimosho serving as the bedrock of his grassroots mobilization.

However, after years of partnership, he has defected from Tinubu’s camp and is currently a frontline figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the emerging coalition platform for Tinubu’s opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.

In his message, Tinubu extolled Yusuf as a tested grassroots mobilizer, financial expert, lawmaker, and humanitarian, highlighting his 12-year service in the Lagos State House of Assembly and his leadership in Alimosho.

The president also pointed to Yusuf’s efforts through his foundation, which has provided healthcare and empowerment to vulnerable communities.

For years, Hon. Bisi Yusuff was perceived as operating in the shadows of Aregbesola’s dominance in Alimosho politics.

By elevating him as the new rallying point, Tinubu is effectively repositioning his loyalists to consolidate control in Lagos’ most populous local government area, thereby weakening Aregbesola’s hold.

The battle for Alimosho has become symbolic in Lagos politics, with its control seen as central to grassroots mobilization and electoral outcomes.

Tinubu’s move signals a decisive attempt to totally reclaim the turf from his former protégé, who is now campaigning against his re-election.