A major political rift has reportedly emerged between Nollywood actor turned politician Desmond Elliot and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over Elliot’s ambition to secure a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency 1.
Gbajabiamila is said to be backing former Lagos Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga Bakare, as the preferred candidate for the seat ahead of the All Progressives Congress primaries. The move is reportedly part of efforts to promote women participation and gender inclusion in politics.
However, Desmond Elliot has refused to step down and remains determined to contest for another term despite growing opposition within the party.
Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu also declined several appeals from influential figures who attempted to secure support for Elliot’s fourth term ambition. Sources revealed that a retired General, a Senator, a serving Minister and other allies approached the President at different times, but Tinubu reportedly insisted on respecting the wishes of Surulere APC stakeholders and allowing internal democracy to prevail.
According to sources, Tinubu maintained strong support for Gbajabiamila’s position, describing him as a key political leader in Surulere and an important figure in the area’s development over the years.
Desmond Elliot later appealed publicly to Gbajabiamila for forgiveness if he had offended him in any way. He described the Chief of Staff as a compassionate leader and asked for another opportunity to continue serving the people of Surulere.
The political tension intensified after Gbajabiamila revealed that he nearly lost his position as Chief of Staff during the Lagos Assembly leadership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa because of allegations linking Elliot to attempts to deilise the Assembly.
Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu confronted him over reports that Elliot was involved in the political crisis. Although he defended the lawmaker, he claimed Elliot never publicly cleared his name despite repeated requests.
Meanwhile, Elliot has accused some APC leaders in Surulere of intimidation and political victimisation. He alleged that local government officials supporting him had been removed from office and that his security aide was withdrawn unfairly.
Despite the controversy, Elliot insisted he would accept the outcome of the primaries if the process is free and fair.
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