Lagos East Bye-Election: APC Picks Abiru, Polaris Bank MD As Osinowo’s Replacement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos state chapter has nominated Tokunbo Abiru, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state as a replacement for the late Senator Bayo Osinowo, who represented Lagos East senatorial district until his death last month.
Born in 1964, Abiru, a key loyalist of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is the current Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) o of Polaris Bank.
The Economics graduate from Lagos State University, served during the tenure of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, now Minister of Works and Housing.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Also, an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
During Abiru’s time as Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State floated a successful N80 billion bond. He further instigated discussions on taxation in Lagos State after the discovery of over 5.5 million tax evaders in 2013.
He resigned his appointment as Commissioner in 2013, to take up an executive role in First Bank Nigeria Ltd.
A credible source in the party who confirmed the development to Daily Independent said Abiru was thd choice of majority of party leaders especially in the Governors Advisory Council (GAC).
On the claim by some that he is not a well-grounded politician, he said Abiru has been making some political moves in the senatorial district such as empowerment and other people-oriented policies which has endeared him to the people.