Desmond Elliot, a Lagos politician representing Surulere district 1 in the state assembly, has given an explanation of his motivation for running for office a fourth time.
During his Friday campaign rally, Elliot emphasised his desire to become a principal official in the assembly as the main motivation.
He also advised his supporters to be cautious of intimidation from the opposing camps in a video that went popular on X.
Before the campaign, signs emerged that some APC members, including Gbajabiamila’s supporters, were backing Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, a former aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to challenge Elliot in the party primary for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.
Responding, Elliot said, “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.
“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 Nollywood actor publicly apologised earlier today to Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff and his alleged political mentor, saying he may have insulted him during his political engagements.
In an interview on TVC’s Your View on Friday, he said any misunderstanding was unintentional and restated his commitment to party unity and development in his constituency.
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His apology comes after earlier political tension surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, during which Gbajabiamila said allegations linked to Elliot’s political activities nearly cost him his speakership position.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly confronted Gbajabiamila with intelligence suggesting that Elliot was involved in the Assembly speakership battle, an allegation Elliot denied at the time.
On the programme, Elliot said a senior colleague he calls his “egbon” helped shape his political career, and he suggested that emotions and miscommunication may have fuelled the earlier dispute.
