Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot has defended his bid for a fourth term representing Surulere Constituency 1 while issuing a public apology to his political mentor, Femi Gbajabiamila, following revelations of a rift over a past legislative impeachment saga.
Lagos State House of Assembly member Desmond Elliot has defended his decision to seek a fourth consecutive term representing Surulere Constituency 1, highlighting his prospects of becoming a principal officer as his primary motivation. Campaigning to his constituents on Friday, May 15, 2026, the actor-turned-politician urged his supporters to remain resolute against political intimidation from opposing camps within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The rally follows growing indications that key party stakeholders, including loyalists of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, are backing a former aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, ahead of the party’s primary election. “The question is, ‘what am I looking for in the fourth term that I am being intimidated to step down’. Don’t accept it, you have invested so much in me. There is a high chance that I will become a principal officer,” Elliot stated, adding, “On the 21st of May (primary election), stand your ground, come out in your large numbers to vote for me, and I will emerge victorious.”
The campaign tension peaked just a day after Gbajabiamila publicly revealed that he almost lost his job as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu due to intelligence linking Elliot to a controversial 2025 plot to impeach Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Responding to the escalating friction, Elliot made a live appearance on TVC’s Your View on Friday morning to tender an emotional, public apology to Gbajabiamila, whom he describes as his political father. Acknowledging that mistakes are inevitable in political relationships, Elliot sought to mend rifts with his mentor and local party leaders while maintaining his right to contest. “I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him. To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way. To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I‘ve offended you,” Elliot pleaded.
Despite the intense internal pressure and the formidable challenge posed by Odunuga-Bakare, Elliot expressed strong confidence in his track record and legislative experience. He insisted that his re-election bid is focused on sustaining development and ensuring effective representation for the people of Surulere. Turning to his faith to address the internal party friction ahead of the May 21 primary, the three-time lawmaker quoted Psalm 121 to reassure his base of an ultimate victory. “One with God is the majority,” Elliot emphasized, reaffirming that any past political misunderstandings were entirely unintentional and that he remains fully committed to the unity and progress of the APC in Lagos State.
NEWS NOW:
