Lagos lawmaker Desmond Olusola Elliot has appealed to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, for forgiveness if he had unknowingly offended him during his service in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency 1, appealed while addressing journalists after collecting his nomination form to contest for re-election in 2027.
He described Gbajabiamila as a compassionate leader and acknowledged that political leaders sometimes make mistakes. “If I have erred in any way, I am sorry. Give me another chance, and let’s move forward to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people,” Elliot said. He clarified that Gbajabiamila had not accused him of wrongdoing but felt it necessary to express humility and seek reconciliation.
Responding to claims that the Surulere Accountability Forum (SAF) had rejected his candidacy, Elliot dismissed the reports as baseless propaganda. He insisted that the group was unknown to him and argued that the allegations were politically motivated. He pointed to his engagement with community development associations as evidence of his continued acceptance among constituents.
Elliot defended his decision to seek a fourth term, stressing that legislative experience benefits constituents. He argued that ranking members in the Assembly secure better opportunities and resources for their constituencies. “The longer you stay, the better you become. Ranking members get more slots, better committees, and more influence to bring development to their people,” he explained. He cited ongoing needs in Surulere, including roads and jobs, as reasons for continuity in representation.
The lawmaker outlined his legislative priorities if re-elected. He pledged to push for the creation of an Institute of Legislative Studies to introduce young students to the workings of the legislature. He also proposed establishing the Lagos State Orientation Agency, which he said would promote morals, values, and cultural awareness outside the formal legal framework. According to him, these initiatives would strengthen civic education and instill discipline in society.
Elliot emphasized that governance is a continuous process and argued that experience in the legislature should not be undervalued. He warned that replacing ranking members with newcomers could slow progress, as new legislators often lack the influence to secure significant benefits for their constituencies. He pointed to Gbajabiamila’s rise to the position of Speaker in his fifth term as an example of how persistence and experience can lead to greater achievements. “If he were in his first or second term, he would not have become Speaker,” Elliot noted.
The actor-turned-politician highlighted his record of service and insisted that his extended tenure has brought visible development to Surulere. He maintained that his re-election would allow him to consolidate gains and expand opportunities for his constituents. Elliot framed his appeal for forgiveness and his defense of a fourth term as part of a broader effort to strengthen trust, unity, and progress within his constituency.
As the 2027 elections approach, Elliot’s remarks reflect both a conciliatory tone toward party leadership and a firm defense of his political ambitions. His message combined humility with confidence, acknowledging challenges while underscoring the value of legislative experience. He urged constituents to judge him by his record and his plans for future development, rather than by political propaganda.
