Coalition Urges Gbajabiamila to Oppose Elliot's Fourth Term Bid in Lagos Assembly
A coalition of political stakeholders in Surulere has issued a strong appeal to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, urging him to refrain from supporting any efforts that could lead to the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, securing a fourth consecutive term. The group warns that imposing a candidate against the wishes of constituents could severely undermine internal democracy within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and negatively impact the party's electoral prospects in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Growing Dissatisfaction and Calls for Change
The position was detailed in a statement released by the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), signed by its spokesman, Olanrewaju Badmus. He emphasized that the views expressed reflect the widespread concerns of residents, community leaders, and political stakeholders across Surulere Constituency I. According to the coalition, there is increasing dissatisfaction among constituents regarding the quality of representation in the state assembly, with many residents advocating for new leadership and greater participation in the party's candidate selection process.
Badmus argued that the constituency desperately requires renewed representation that is deeply rooted in grassroots engagement. He stressed that party decisions must align with the aspirations of voters rather than being driven by political influence or external pressures. Recalling the circumstances of the 2015 elections, Badmus noted that Elliot emerged as the party's candidate despite having limited political involvement in the constituency at that time. The coalition acknowledged that residents had supported the lawmaker in previous elections based on appeals from party leaders but asserted that sentiments within the constituency have significantly shifted since then.
Warnings of Electoral Consequences
The group issued a stark warning, stating that insisting on Elliot's candidacy for another term could create deep disaffection among party supporters and weaken the APC's chances in Surulere during future elections. While reaffirming their loyalty to the ruling party, the stakeholders called on party leadership to ensure a transparent and credible process that would allow a new candidate to emerge through genuine internal democracy. They stressed that respecting the views of constituents remains essential to sustaining party unity and achieving electoral success.
In a direct quote, Badmus said, "We will not work against our own future. If the party listens to the people and rejects imposition, Surulere will stand firmly with APC in 2027. If it does otherwise, it should be ready to bear the consequences at the polls. Enough of anyone using Nollywood fame to cajole poor constituents. Surulere people are wiser now."
Resident Concerns and Appeals for Inclusive Processes
Also speaking out, a resident named Sheriffdeen Ojon expressed concern over reports of a possible fourth-term ambition by the lawmaker, questioning the impact of his representation over the years. Ojon alleged that many developmental strides associated with Surulere were largely attributed to other political actors and urged the lawmaker to step aside to allow fresh leadership to emerge in the constituency. He added that residents continue to hold Gbajabiamila in high regard and appealed to him to consider the prevailing mood among constituents in decisions relating to political representation in Surulere.
Both Badmus and Ojon emphasized the critical need for inclusive political processes, urging party leaders to prioritize the interests of constituents as preparations gradually begin toward the next election cycle. They highlighted that fostering democratic practices within the party is not only vital for local governance but also for maintaining the APC's broader electoral strength in Lagos State.
