Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a disagreement over the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Surulere.
Elliot apologised during a meeting with Gbajabiamila on Sunday, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation after tensions emerged during the party’s primary for the Surulere Constituency I seat.
The actor-turned-politician withdrew from the primary, alleging that his supporters were intimidated and prevented from accessing the voting venue. He later lost the party’s ticket to Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.
In a video from the meeting, Elliot is seen kneeling and later prostrating before Gbajabiamila as he expressed regret over his conduct during the contest.
“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” Elliot said.
Gbajabiamila, who remained seated during the encounter, asked Elliot to get up.
“There is no… please, get up,” he said.
The reconciliation comes months after the APC primary, which ended Elliot’s bid for another term representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State Assembly.
Elliot had said his supporters were denied access to the venue despite his appeals to electoral officials. Following his withdrawal, Odunuga-Bakare emerged as the winner of the primary.
After the meeting, Elliot also addressed the reconciliation in a statement shared on Instagram, describing Gbajabiamila as his political father, mentor and leader.
“I remain committed to the ideals of loyalty, service, and respect for party leadership, my respect and loyalty to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila remains unwavering. Everything I have achieved politically is all for Surulerians,” he said.
Elliot also appealed for unity among members of the APC, saying political disagreements should not permanently damage longstanding relationships.
“It is therefore important for me to publicly state that no political ambition or temporary disagreement is worth damaging a relationship built on years of trust, guidance, and shared commitment to the progress of our party and our people.”
Gbajabiamila previously represented Surulere in the House of Representatives before becoming Speaker and later Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Elliot, who has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos Assembly under the APC, has maintained a close political relationship with Gbajabiamila over the years.
Ademide Adebayo
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