Community Urges Opposition to Desmond Elliott’s Candidacy
A diverse coalition of political stakeholders and residents in Surulere has called on Femi Gbajabiamila, the Presidential Chief of Staff, to resist any efforts to grant Desmond Elliott a fourth term as the Member of Parliament for Surulere 1st Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The coalition, spearheaded by the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), argues that such a move would contradict the desires of the electorate and potentially jeopardize the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s standing in the area.
In a statement released on Friday, signed by Olanrewaju Badmus on behalf of concerned community members, officials described Elliott’s decade-long tenure as “a wasted opportunity” characterized by subpar performance, a significant disconnect from local issues, and an over-reliance on the accomplishments of others.
The statement referenced the 2015 party decision that blocked former candidate Kabir Rawal from obtaining a ticket, which was later granted to Elliott, who, at that time, exhibited neither prior political organization nor visible grassroots involvement in Surulere.
“Surulere has been paying the price for that decision for 11 years,” Badmus stated. He emphasized that the district had “been handed over to someone who was not part of our political landscape and has consistently failed to justify the trust placed in him.”
Initially, residents supported Elliott due to Gbajabiamila’s endorsement, but sentiments have shifted considerably. “We voted for Desmond Elliott in the past because of Gbajabiamila’s plea. We cannot afford to let this fourth-term experiment fail now,” Badmus asserted.
Resident Sheriff Ojon echoed this sentiment, expressing discontent with reports of Elliott’s intention to pursue another term and challenging his achievements in office. “What are his accomplishments as a representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly for Surulere First Constituency?” Ojon questioned, stating that Elliott’s success has largely stemmed from Gbajabiamila’s considerable influence rather than his personal accomplishments.
“Without Mr. Gbajabiamila’s support, a third term may not have been feasible, given Elliott’s lack of a notable track record over more than a decade in office,” Ojon remarked. Despite the criticisms aimed at Elliott, stakeholders recognized Gbajabiamila’s substantial role in Surulere, describing him as a responsive leader and urging him to consider voters’ growing unease.
“Your reputation as a good listener and effective leader is well-known in Surulere,” Ojon said, adding that residents continue to regard the former speaker highly. The coalition cautioned that any attempt to nominate Elliott again for the 2027 elections could be perceived as a direct affront to voters and may have repercussions for the APC at the polls.
“Desmond Elliott’s rejection is now a widespread sentiment—from Oremoo Bank to Olawale Dawodu, Ipponri, and Marsha—as residents unite to declare ‘enough is enough,'” Badmus noted. They urged Gbajabiamila to facilitate a transparent process for selecting credible, community-based candidates, asserting that the future of the Surulere constituency’s party hinges on it.
“Desmond Elliott should consider stepping back to allow a more qualified candidate to emerge,” Ojon suggested. “As Mr. Surulere receives the treatment he deserves after over a decade in the House of Representatives, perhaps it’s time for him to redirect his focus towards his career in Nollywood.”
Stakeholders reiterated their loyalty to the APC, demanding that such loyalty be mutual. “We refuse to jeopardize our future,” Badmus concluded. “If the party listens to the people and rejects this levy, Mr. Surulere will steadfastly support the APC in 2027. If not, he must be prepared to face the consequences at the polls.”
