Desmond Elliot Apologises to Gbajabiamila After APC Primary Issues

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Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has said sorry to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. This apology comes after problems between them during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier that Mr Gbajabiamila supported Barakat Odunuga-Bakare against Mr Elliot, who wanted to be re-elected to represent Surulere Constituency I.

Ms Odunuga-Bakare won the election after Mr Elliot stepped back from the race. He claimed that his supporters were intimidated and blocked from entering the voting venue.

The actor-turned-politician said he repeatedly asked the electoral officials to let his supporters in, but they did not listen. He added that many of his supporters were turned away despite his efforts to resolve the situation.

Since the election, Mr Gbajabiamila and Mr Elliot had not been seen together until Sunday. A viral video showed Mr Elliot kneeling before the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In the video shared on social media, Mr Elliot asked Mr Gbajabiamila for forgiveness and aimed for reconciliation with the APC leaders in Lagos.

He expressed regret for his previous actions, saying he may have acted without proper understanding during the primary election. He also promised to do better in the future.

“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,” Mr Elliot said.

Despite the issues, Mr Elliot reaffirmed his loyalty to Mr Gbajabiamila in a statement he posted on Instagram after their meeting.

He called for understanding and unity as party members work together to strengthen the APC, improve Surulere, and advance Lagos State and Nigeria.

He said, “I, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott, wish to sincerely express my heartfelt appreciation to my political father, mentor, and leader, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for his unwavering guidance, support, and investment in my political journey over the years.

“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 also thanked his constituents and Mr Gbajabiamila for their support, saying no political ambition or temporary disagreement should ruin a relationship.

“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.”

After Mr Elliot knelt and apologised, Mr Gbajabiamila told him to stand up. He said, “There is no… please, get up.”