A coalition of Surulere stakeholders has fired a strong warning to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, urging him not to impose Nollywood actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group, under the banner of Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), described any such plan as political sabotage against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a direct insult to the will of the people.
In a statement signed by Olanrewaju Badmus, the stakeholders slammed Elliot’s 11-year tenure as “a wasted opportunity characterised by underperformance, detachment from grassroots realities, character deficiency, and overreliance on the record of others.”
They recalled how in 2015, Kabir Lawal was denied the party ticket in favour of Elliot, in what they said has haunted the constituency ever since.
Badmus said, “Surulere has paid the price for that decision for 11 years. The constituency was handed over to someone who was never part of our political structure and has consistently failed to justify the confidence reposed in him. We voted for Desmond Elliot because of pleas from Gbajabiamila in the past, now Gbajabiamila should know we cannot afford a fourth-term experiment in failure.”
Badmus further said: “If APC truly wants to win elections in Surulere, it must stop the imposition of failure on our people.
“The rejection of Desmond Elliot is now broad and emphatic– from Bank Olemo to Olawale Dawodu to Iponri, Masha and several other communities, residents are united in saying: ‘enough is enough.’”
The group called on Gbajabiamila to allow a credible, grassroots candidate to emerge through a transparent process, warning that anything short of that could cost the APC dearly at the polls.
“It would be prudent for Desmond Elliot to step aside and allow another qualified candidate to run for State Assembly Constituency 1.
“After 12 years in the House of Assembly, it may be time for him to refocus on his acting and directing career in Nollywood while Surulere gets the responsive, accessible representation it deserves.”
Reaffirming loyalty to the APC, the stakeholders insisted their support is not unconditional.
“We will not work against our own future. If the party listens to the people and rejects imposition, Surulere will stand firmly with APC in 2027. If it does otherwise, it should be ready to bear the consequences at the polls. Enough of anyone using Nollywood fame to cajole poor constituents. Surulere people are wiser now,” Badmus said.
Also weighing in, Surulere resident Sheriffdeen Ojon voiced strong opposition to reports of a fourth-term ambition by Elliot.
Ojon said, “I heard that Desmond Elliot is contemplating a fourth term in Surulere Constituency 1, but the people of Surulere have voiced their disapproval.
“What are his accomplishments as a member of the state House of Assembly representing Surulere? He only reaps the benefits of Mr Femi Gbajabiamila’s outstanding work in Surulere.”
Ojon further argued that Elliot’s prolonged stay in office has largely depended on Gbajabiamila’s influence rather than measurable performance.
“Without the Chief of Staff to the President’s influence, a third term may not have been possible, given the lack of notable accomplishments after over 11 years at the state House of Assembly, where he largely depended on Gbajabiamila’s backing and achievements,” he stated.
The stakeholders urged Gbajabiamila to heed the increasing discontent among constituents.
“Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, your reputation as a good listener and effective leader is well acknowledged in Surulere. We trust that the voices of your constituents will be heard and yield positive outcomes,” Ojon noted, adding that residents “respect and admire” him and “pray fervently for his continued success.”
They warned that forcing Elliot on the constituency again in 2027 could backfire and jeopardise the APC’s electoral chances in Surulere.
