A coalition of Surulere stakeholders has called on President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to refrain from pushing for Desmond Elliot's return to the Lagos State House of Assembly for a fourth term. The group, representing various community interests in Surulere Constituency 1, said Elliot's continued dominance undermines democratic rotation and grassroots participation. They argue that after multiple terms, Elliot should step aside to allow new voices. The stakeholders emphasized that imposing a candidate would fuel discontent and erode public trust in political processes.
The pushback comes as early jostling begins for the 2027 elections. Elliot, a former actor and current director at the National Film and Video Censors Board, previously represented the constituency for three terms. He left the Assembly in 2019 after being appointed to his current federal role. His possible return has sparked debate over political godfatherism and elite control in Lagos politics. The stakeholders did not rule out fielding an alternative candidate if their concerns are ignored.
