Political tension is mounting within the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as supporters of lawmaker Desmond Elliot intensified calls for his return to the Lagos State House of Assembly amid allegations of planned candidate imposition ahead of the party primaries.
The growing dispute came to the fore during a solidarity rally held across parts of Surulere, where market leaders, youths, elders, widows and party loyalists appealed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to support Elliot’s bid for a fourth term.
The rally, which began at 7 Benedict Square Street, off Akerele, temporarily disrupted commercial activities in the area as supporters marched through major streets chanting slogans in support of the actor-turned-politician.
Observers described the mobilisation as a major test of Elliot’s grassroots influence ahead of the APC primaries.
Elliot Defends Fourth-term Ambition
Speaking during a ward tour, Elliot said his re-election bid was necessary to sustain development and stability in the constituency.
He attributed the turnout at the rally to his long-standing relationship with residents, insisting that he remained accessible to the people beyond election periods.
“You can see people came out unforced, despite it being a working day. They came because of the relationship we have. I live with them; they have access to me anytime. Being a lawmaker is not just about the hallowed chambers; it is about being reachable,” he said.
Elliot argued that replacing experienced lawmakers with newcomers could slow development in the constituency.
He pointed to the political influence of Femi Gbajabiamila, saying lawmakers with stronger connections were better positioned to attract government projects and benefits to their constituencies.
“If I have failed you in any way, I apologize,” Elliot said. “But continuity is key. I have the legislative knowledge to lobby for more. We have lit up Surulere, not by magic, but by knowing how to work with the government.”
The lawmaker also called for a transparent and credible primary process, warning that any attempt to impose candidates could hurt the party’s chances in the general election.
“The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said we should show our popularity at the grassroots. If we don’t do this properly, people are watching,” he added.
Party Leaders Appeal to Gbajabiamila
The rally witnessed dramatic scenes as former lawmaker Kabiru Lawal and some APC stalwarts prostrated before supporters while appealing to Gbajabiamila to back Elliot’s fourth-term ambition.
Lawal urged the APC leadership to forgive Elliot if he had offended anyone within the political structure.
“I have told Gbajabiamila to forgive Desmond if he has offended him in any way,” Lawal said. “Desmond is trying his best; we have seen the changes. He may not have the prowess to compete with certain counterparts without the leader’s backing, but he is the one the people know.”
He also appealed to a rival female aspirant, Barakah Odunuga, to step down in the interest of party unity.
Lawal recalled stepping aside for party interests years ago and warned against internal divisions that could weaken the APC in future elections.
“We must not allow anything to break us. We must unite to ensure we win,” he said.
Stakeholders Reject Alleged Imposition
The rally comes amid fresh allegations of candidate imposition, which has further deepened the crisis within the Surulere APC, with some party stakeholders accusing influential figures within the political camp of Gbajabiamila of attempting to impose a preferred aspirant ahead of the Lagos Assembly primaries.
According to some aggrieved members, the process appeared skewed in favour of a female aspirant even before the commencement of the primaries.
One stakeholder, who claimed to be speaking in the interest of fairness and internal democracy, said aspirants should be allowed to compete freely without interference from powerful political interests.
The stakeholder also warned against what he described as “power arrogance” within the party, insisting that Surulere APC members must resist attempts to undermine democratic principles.
Residents Back Elliot
The rally also featured testimonies from residents who praised Elliot for interventions in the constituency.
A resident identified as Mosopeoluwa said his mother benefited from a free cataract surgery sponsored by the lawmaker.
“Because of what he did for my family, over 40 people in my compound are ready to vote for him,” he said.
Similarly, Ward D Chairman, Ololade Arigbaguro, commended Elliot’s legislative experience, noting that it had helped attract infrastructure projects to Surulere, including the recent installation of street lights in parts of the constituency.
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.