Lagos Assembly: Gbajabiamila Warned Against Imposing Desmond Eliot for 4th term
- Surulere stakeholders warned Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, against imposing Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos Assembly
- The group criticised Elliot’s over 11-year tenure, describing it as underwhelming and disconnected from grassroots realities
- Stakeholders cautioned that insisting on Elliot’s candidacy could undermine the All Progressives Congress chances in Surulere elections
A coalition of stakeholders in Surulere has cautioned the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, against any move to impose Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group, comprising community leaders and political actors, said such a move would disregard the will of the people and undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the constituency.
Source: Twitter
In a statement issued on behalf of concerned residents by Mr Olanrewaju Badmus of the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), the stakeholders described Elliot’s time in office as disappointing.
“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 said.
Residents question performance and representation
Some residents also voiced dissatisfaction with Elliot’s performance, questioning his achievements over more than a decade in office.
Mr Sheriffdeen Ojon, a Surulere resident, said reports of a fourth-term ambition had been met with widespread opposition.
“I heard that Desmond Elliot is contemplating a fourth term in Surulere Constituency 1, but the people of Surulere have voiced their disapproval,” he said.
Ojon further argued, “What are his accomplishments as a member of the state House of Assembly representing Surulere? He only reaps the benefits of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila’s outstanding work in Surulere.”
He added that Elliot’s continued stay in office was largely tied to political backing rather than performance.
“Without Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila’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,” Ojon stated.
Appeal to Gbajabiamila to heed constituents’ voices
The stakeholders urged Gbajabiamila to respect the prevailing mood among constituents and allow a credible candidate to emerge through a transparent process.
“Sir Speaker 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 said, adding that residents continue to respect and support him.
Warning over electoral consequences for APC
The group warned that insisting on Elliot’s candidacy despite opposition could harm the APC’s chances in future elections.
“If APC truly wants to win elections in Surulere, it must stop the imposition of failure on our people,” Badmus said.
He added,
“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 stakeholders also suggested that Elliot should step aside after years in office.
“It would be prudent for Desmond Elliot to step aside and allow another qualified candidate to run for State Assembly Constituency 1,” Ojon said. “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.”
Loyalty to APC reaffirmed amid demands
Despite their concerns, the stakeholders reiterated their commitment to the APC but insisted that the party must listen to its grassroots base.
“We will not work against our own future,” Badmus said. “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.”
Source: Legit.ng
