Former Lagos State House of Assembly member Desmond Elliot was seen in a video on X kneeling and later prostrating before Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, in a public apology. The video, shared by user @DeeOneAyekooto, shows Elliot expressing regret for his actions during the recent APC primaries in Lagos, admitting that his thoughts misled him. He accepted the outcome of the Surulere primary and pledged renewed loyalty to the GAC leadership in Lagos.
Gbajabiamila, regarded as Elliot's political godfather, responded by granting him an audience and warmly embracing him, described as a rare display of magnanimity. The fallout between the two began when Gbajabiamila opposed Elliot's decision to contest the APC primary, warning it would damage their political relationship. Elliot proceeded to run despite the objection and lost the election. Prior to the primary, Gbajabiamila had accused Elliot of undermining him with the presidency by supporting moves to impeach Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The exact date and location of the apology event were not confirmed, and the video has not been independently verified. No official statement has been issued by the Presidency or Gbajabiamila's office regarding the meeting. Elliot's political future within the APC structure remains unclear following his defeat and subsequent reconciliation gesture.
Elliot publicly submitted to the same political hierarchy he defied weeks earlier by contesting the primary against Gbajabiamila's wishes. His reversal raises questions about autonomy within Lagos APC's GAC faction, especially for members dependent on top-level backing. The gesture may signal restored favour, but it also underscores the personal cost of challenging established power in the party.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
