By Akinwale Kasali
As Hon. Desmond Elliott continues his campaign and bid for a fourth term ticket to the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere 1 Constituency, he is allegedly having a face off with Femi Gbajabiamila, his mentor, and the Chief of Staff, CoS, to President Bola Tinubu.
This could mar his ambition, as speculations are rife that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, already has a Candidate to replace him.
The situation has further intensified internal tensions in the All Progressives Congress, APC, fold in Surulere, with some Party stakeholders accusing the powerful blocs of undermining internal democracy through what they describe as a predetermined selection process.
Some members of the Party in Surulere are aggrieved, alleging that an arrangement is being designed to sideline the actor-turned-politician, Elliott, despite his legislative track record and backing from sections of grassroot supporters.
It was gathered that Gbajabiamila had an anointed female candidate that would be fielded to challenge Elliott at the Primaries.
Jnverified allegations from some members is that the Primary in Surulere Constituency 1 has already been skewed in favour of the female aspirant.
It was also alleged by the aggrieved members who are mostly Youths, that the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sharif Balogun, has declared support for the anointed Female Candidate and directed Ward Leaders and Party executives to mobilise in her favour.
One of the aggrieved members who craved anonymity insisted that his concern was fairness within the Party, warning against any form of imposition.
“Nobody should act like a god in Surulere politics. The misuse of power must stop. Party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidate,” he said.
He further alleged that some political appointees and loyalists were being pressured to support the preferred aspirant, and claimed that threats were being used against those who refuse.
“They are intimidating people, especially those holding offices, saying that if you don’t support this woman, your appointment may be taken away,” he alleged.
According to him, there is no genuine consensus arrangement in the Surulere APC, alleging instead that the party structure has been directed to work for the emergence of the Female aspirant.
The development has reignited debate over Elliott’s political future in the Lagos State House of Assembly where he is seeking a fourth term.
While critics question his performance, supporters maintain that opposition to his re-election is driven more by internal politics than by his legislative record.
They argue that another term would strengthen his position within the Assembly and potentially qualify him for leadership roles.
The ongoing political crisis in the area has further revived broader discussions around godfatherism and political succession in Surulere politics, particularly the influence of Gbajabiamila.
Some members of the Party are of the opinion that if Gbajabiamila is allowed extended representation of the Constituency, it would be unjust to deny Elliott similar political continuity.
Recall that a group under the aegis of Surulere Accountability Forum, SAF,a Coalition of Stakeholders in Surulere, had described Elliott’s time at the Lagos State House of Assembly as disappointing.
Badmus Olanrewaju, spokesperson for the Coalition had 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.
“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”, the Group said.
He further stressed that If the 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 aggrieved Party members who want Elliott to be given another term quashed the statement by the Surulere Accountability Forum, alleging that they are being sponsored.
Reacting to his rejection by the Surulere Accountability Forum, SAF, Elliott shared a video highlighting several initiatives tied to his work in Surulere Constituency I after questions arose about his effectiveness during his first three terms in the state assembly.
“I know propaganda and negativity sell, but somehow the truth must be told my dedication to my wonderful people in Surulere has and will always be 100”, he wrote.
He has also publicly apologized to Gbajabiamila for anyway he angered him and pleaded foe firgiveness.
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