Desmond Elliot Denounces Feud Claims, Declares Fourth-Term Bid

Nollywood actor turned lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has dismissed reports of a rift between him and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, while formally declaring his intention to seek a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Speaking on Thursday during a visit to his Surulere Constituency I, Elliot described the alleged disagreement as unfounded. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Gbajabiamila, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to the President, and urged him to overlook any perceived shortcomings.

“I don’t have any issue with him. Our leader is a compassionate leader, a leader of thought. I mean, we are children. Children sometimes err. If I have erred in any way, my leader, I am sorry,” Elliot said.

He added that if given another chance, he would continue to deliver democratic dividends to his constituents.

A coalition of stakeholders in Surulere, under the aegis of the Surulere Accountability Forum, had earlier rejected Elliot’s bid for a fourth term, citing performance concerns over his three terms in office.

The lawmaker, however, dismissed such narratives as propaganda and argued that continuity and legislative experience are essential for constituency development.

“The longer you stay, the better you become in experience for the state and for your people. When you become a ranking member, what you get for your people is far better than when you are just starting,” he said.

Elliot also responded to criticism that he had spent enough time in office, warning that replacing experienced lawmakers with newcomers could slow development.

Highlighting his record, he cited interventions in roads, sanitation, education, and healthcare, including personal financial support for constituents, such as spending N75 million on a constituent’s spinal surgery.