A broad coalition of political stakeholders and residents in Surulere has advised the Chief of Staff to President Femi Gbajabiamila against any attempt to impose Desmond Elliott a fourth term as the member representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group under the aegis of Surulere Accountability Front (SAF) said such a move would be a disregard for the will of the people and could undermine the electoral fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the constituency.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Olanrewaju Badmus on behalf of concerned residents and community leaders, the stakeholders described Elliott’s more than decade-long representation as “a wasted opportunity marked by poor performance, detachment from ground level realities, lack of character and excessive reliance on the records of others”.
The statement recalled that in 2015, a former candidate, Kabir Lawal, was denied the party ticket in favor of Elliott, who, according to him, had no prior political structure or visible grassroots involvement in Surulere at the time.
“Surulere has paid the price for that decision for 11 years,” Badmus said.
“The constituency was handed over to a person who was never part of our political structure and has consistently failed to live up to the trust reposed in him.”
He said residents initially supported Elliott based on Gbajabiamila's appeal, but insisted that the situation had changed.
He said, “We voted for Desmond Elliot in the past because of Gbajabiamila's arguments. Now, we cannot afford the failure of the fourth term experiment.”
Expressing similar sentiments, Sherifdin Ozon, a resident, expressed dissatisfaction over reports of Elliott's intention to seek another term, questioning his accomplishments in office.
“What are his achievements as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I?” Ozone asked. “They only benefit from the excellent work of Gbajabiamila in Surulere.”
Ozon further alleged that Elliott's continued electoral success was largely due to Gbajabiamila's political influence rather than his personal performance.
“Without Gbajabiamila's support, a third term would not have been possible, given his lack of notable achievements after more than 11 years in office,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, stakeholders acknowledged Gbajabiamila's position in Surulere, describing him as a responsive leader, and appealing to him to pay attention to the growing discontent among constituents.
Ozon said, “Your reputation as a good listener and effective leader is well acknowledged in Surulere. We are confident that the voices of your constituents will be heard.” He said that the residents respect the former chairman very much.
The group warned that any attempt to field Elliott again in 2027 could be interpreted as a direct insult to the voters and could have consequences for the APC in the elections.
Badmus said, “The rejection of Desmond Elliot is now widespread and loud, from Bank Olemoh to Olawale Dawodu, Iponri and Masha, residents are saying in unity: 'Enough is enough.'
He urged Gbajabiamila to allow a transparent process that will produce a credible, community-based candidate for the constituency, stressing that the future of the party in Surulere depends on it.
“It would be wise for Desmond Elliott to step aside and allow another qualified candidate to emerge,” Ozon said.
“After more than a decade in the House of Assembly, it may be time for him to refocus on his career in Nollywood while Surulere gets the responsive representation it deserves.”
Stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC but stressed that such loyalty must be reciprocal.
“We will not work against our future,” Badmus said. “If the party listens to the people and rejects imposition, Surulere will stand firm with the APC in 2027. If it does otherwise, it should be prepared to suffer the consequences at the polls.”