Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot is facing what appears to be the toughest political battle of his career as growing opposition within the All Progressives Congress (APC) threatens his bid for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot, who has represented Surulere Constituency 1 since 2015, has recently come under intense political pressure following reports that key party leaders are backing another aspirant ahead of the APC primaries.
The development has sparked widespread debate within Lagos political circles and reignited conversations about godfatherism and political loyalty in the state.
Public Plea Sparks Reactions
The crisis became more visible after Elliot appeared on a television programme where he publicly appealed to his political mentor and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
During the interview, the lawmaker apologised repeatedly, saying: “I am sorry, my daddy, if I have offended you in any way.”
He described Gbajabiamila as his political leader and mentor, acknowledging that he learnt politics under him.
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The emotional appeal quickly generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing surprise at the public nature of the apology by a serving legislator and three-term lawmaker.
Gbajabiamila’s Position Deepens Speculation
Political tension surrounding Elliot’s future intensified after Gbajabiamila reportedly disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting in Surulere that he had once defended the lawmaker before President Bola Tinubu during the Lagos State Assembly leadership crisis involving Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
According to accounts from the meeting, Gbajabiamila said intelligence reports linked Elliot to moves against the Speaker and that he advised him to publicly distance himself from the controversy.
The remarks fuelled speculation that the relationship between both politicians may have deteriorated ahead of the primaries.
Reports within APC circles suggest Gbajabiamila is now backing another aspirant, Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, for the Surulere Constituency 1 seat.
Questions Over Performance and Fourth-Term Ambition
Despite the political pressure, Elliot has continued his campaign for re-election, insisting that his legislative experience and record in office justify another term.
However, critics have questioned his performance after over a decade in office, with some residents arguing that there has been little visible development in the constituency.
The controversy has also revived broader public criticism of career politicians seeking multiple terms in office.
For many observers, Elliot’s current political troubles reflect the realities of Nigeria’s godfather-driven political structure, where political survival often depends on maintaining the support of influential power brokers.
APC Primary Seen as Major Test
The forthcoming APC primary in Surulere is now being closely watched as a major test of Elliot’s political strength and influence within the party.
Political analysts say the outcome could determine whether grassroots support can outweigh the influence of established political structures in Lagos politics.
Regardless of the final result, the unfolding Surulere political drama has drawn renewed attention to the role of political godfathers in shaping careers and determining the fate of elected officials in Nigeria.
Desmond Elliot Nearly Cost Me My Position- Gbajabiamila
Elliot struggle for political survival in Lagos State comes amid Gbajabiamila’s revelation that he nearly lost his job as Chief of staff to President Tinubu during the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis last year.
Gbajabiamila made the revelation on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.
He recalled that the involvement of Desmond Elliot, lawmaker representing Surulere constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, in the impeachment plot nearly led to his removal as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.