Desmond Elliot, lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, following their fallout over the All Progressives Congress primary election.
In a video circulating on social media, Elliot was seen kneeling before Gbajabiamila and pleading for his forgiveness.
“I don’t have any excuse. I have nothing to say other than that I am deeply sorry, sir. In our culture, we prostrate,” he said.
The disagreement between the two politicians dates back to the 2025 leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, during which Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker.
Gbajabiamila had said in May that Elliot’s involvement in the move to impeach Obasa nearly cost him his position as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff.
Obasa was removed after a majority of lawmakers accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda, who was then deputy speaker, was elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, after 49 days in office, Meranda resigned as Speaker, paving the way for Obasa’s return following an intervention by Tinubu.
Elliot subsequently apologised to Gbajabiamila, explaining that he had believed the move against Obasa was backed by Tinubu.
The development reportedly strained the relationship between Elliot and Gbajabiamila.
Gbajabiamila later backed Odunuga-Bakare to replace Elliot, who was seeking a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Despite losing Gbajabiamila’s support, Elliot proceeded with his bid but lost the APC primary election to the Gbajabiamila-backed aspirant.
Elliot rejected the outcome, alleging that his supporters were suppressed and intimidated during the exercise.
He also threatened to challenge the result.