Desmond Elliott seeks formal apology from Femi Gbajabiamila while launching 2027 reelection bid

Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliott seeks forgiveness from Femi Gbajabiamila while collecting his 2027 nomination form. Read about his reelection strategy.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 4:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

A Strategic Plea for Political Reconciliation

Desmond Elliott, the representative for Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has taken a proactive step toward mending political fences by publicly apologizing to Femi Gbajabiamila. During a recent event marking his intention to run in the 2027 general elections, Elliott characterized his relationship with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu as one of a student and a mentor. According to Elliott, the gesture is a preemptive move to ensure political harmony, noting that even if specific offenses have not been cited, the possibility of human error in the course of governance warrants a request for another chance at service.

The Logic of Legislative Seniority

In defending his decision to seek another term, the actor turned politician argued that experience within the hallowed chambers of the legislature is a tangible asset for his constituents. Elliott suggested that lawmakers who have served multiple terms possess a superior understanding of parliamentary procedures, which directly correlates to their ability to secure appointments and projects. According to the lawmaker, new members often face a steep learning curve, whereas veteran status allows a representative to navigate the system more effectively to bring opportunities back to their specific region.

Dismissing Rumors of Local Opposition

The lawmaker also addressed recent reports suggesting that local interest groups, specifically the Surulere Accountability Forum, had expressed dissatisfaction with his continued tenure. Elliott dismissed these claims as mere political rhetoric designed to sow confusion among the electorate, stating that he does not recognize the group in question. He maintained that his connection to the people of Surulere remains unsevered and that his engagement with the community is direct, rather than through what he described as anonymous political organizations.