The bustling streets of Surulere were transformed into a theater of political fervor as a sprawling coalition of supporters, market leaders, elders, widows, and youth groups staged a solidarity walk, making an impassioned plea to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to allow Olusola Desmond Elliot a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly. The rally, which commenced at 7 Benedict Square Street, off Akerele, saw the constituency’s commercial activities momentarily pause.
Grassroots Mobilization
The mobilization, described by observers as a grassroots litmus test, was designed to showcase Elliot’s unwavering contributions to the community ahead of the high-stakes primary elections. Addressing the sea of supporters during a ward tour, Elliot framed his re-election bid as a necessity for stability and continued development. He was quick to attribute the massive turnout to his deep-rooted connection with the residents, noting that his presence in the community is constant rather than seasonal.
“You can see people came out unforced, despite it being a working day. They came because of the relationship we have. I live with them; they have access to me anytime. Being a lawmaker is not just about the hallowed chambers; it is about being reachable,” he remarked.
Continuity Over Change
Elliot noted that Surulere cannot afford to start from scratch with a newcomer. He pointed to the leadership of Femi Gbajabiamila as the gold standard, noting that the higher a lawmaker rises, the more dividends of democracy they attract to their constituency. “If I have failed you in any way, I apologize,” Elliot said in a moment of raw candor. “But continuity is key. I have the legislative knowledge to lobby for more. We have lit up Surulere, not by magic, but by knowing how to work with the government.”
Elliot emphasized the need for a free and fair primary, warning that any perceived imposition could jeopardize the party’s prospects in the general elections. “The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said we should show our popularity at the grassroots. If we don’t do this properly, people are watching,” he added.
Traditional Pleading
The highlight of the day was a stark display of traditional political pleading led by the former lawmaker whom Elliot succeeded, Kabiru Lawal. Lawal and several party stalwarts prostrated flat on the ground, a profound gesture of humility in Yoruba culture, to beg Gbajabiamila to support Elliot’s fourth-term ambition. “I have told Gbajabiamila to forgive Desmond if he has offended him in any way,” Lawal pleaded from the floor. “Desmond is trying his best; we have seen the changes. He may not have the prowess to compete with certain counterparts without the leader’s backing, but he is the one the people know.”
Lawal also took aim at a rival aspirant, Barakah Odunuga, urging her to step down to avoid a fractured front. Recalling his own sacrifice 12 years ago when he stepped down for the leadership without a subsequent appointment, Lawal warned against the internal divisions that cost the party dearly in the 2023 polls. “We must not allow anything to break us. We must unite to ensure we win,” he said.
Personal Testimonies
The rally was punctuated by personal testimonies from residents who credited Elliot with life-altering interventions. In Ward F, a resident identified as Mosopeoluwa shared how his mother benefited from a free cataract operation sponsored by the lawmaker. “Because of what he did for my family, over 40 people in my compound are ready to vote for him,” Mosopeoluwa declared.
Supporting this sentiment, the Ward D Chairman, Ololade Arigbaguro, noted that the lawmaker’s legislative knowledge had been instrumental in lobbying the state government for infrastructure, specifically citing the recent illumination of Surulere’s streets.
