Desmond Elliot Begs Gbajabiamila for Forgiveness, Seeks Return to APC

Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliot, has apologised to President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his actions during the last All Progressives Congress primary election in Lagos.

Elliot was seen in a video circulating on social media kneeling before Gbajabiamila and pleading for forgiveness, while also seeking reintegration into the ruling APC in Lagos.

The lawmaker expressed remorse over his actions and said he had no excuse other than to apologise and seek forgiveness.

The development followed a disagreement between Elliot and the party leadership during the APC primary for the Surulere Constituency I seat in May.

Elliot had withdrawn from the exercise, alleging intimidation and political pressure against his supporters. He subsequently rejected the outcome of the primary and indicated that he would challenge the process through the party’s internal appeal mechanism.

The controversy came amid growing tension between Elliot and Gbajabiamila, who has been a longstanding political associate and mentor to the lawmaker.

Gbajabiamila had previously disclosed that Elliot’s role in the political crisis surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly had created serious concerns and nearly affected his position as Chief of Staff.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives had also backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare in the Surulere Constituency I primary.

Odunuga-Bakare eventually defeated Elliot in the contest, polling 11,385 votes against Elliot’s 270 votes, and emerged with the APC ticket for the constituency.

Elliot’s latest appeal signals an attempt to resolve the political differences and rebuild his relationship with the APC leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

The actor-turned-politician has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos Assembly since 2015 and had been seeking another term in office.

His appeal to Gbajabiamila also comes at a critical stage of preparations for the 2027 elections, as political parties intensify efforts to consolidate their structures and settle internal disagreements.

It remains to be seen whether the apology will lead to Elliot’s full reintegration into the APC structure in Lagos and what political role he may play ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development nevertheless highlights the continuing influence of internal party relationships and reconciliation efforts in shaping political contests ahead of the next general election.