Dare Babalola
Lagos lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has publicly expressed regret over any past disagreements with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing him as a senior figure who played a major role in his political development.
Elliot made the remarks on Friday during an appearance on the TV programme Your View, where he reflected on their long-standing political relationship and hinted that misunderstandings may have contributed to earlier tensions.
According to him, his political journey was shaped under Gbajabiamila’s mentorship, stressing that any past disagreements were never intentional. He also emphasised the importance of unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress and his continued focus on governance in Surulere.
The public apology comes against the backdrop of earlier political controversies linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis involving the Lagos State House of Assembly. During that period, Gbajabiamila had previously disclosed that he came under pressure at the Presidential Villa over intelligence reports allegedly connecting Elliot to political manoeuvres around the Assembly leadership dispute. The matter was later addressed internally following interventions at the highest level, including discussions involving President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on the programme, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as a mentor figure he refers to as an elder brother, adding that emotions and politics may sometimes strain relationships even when no harm is intended. He apologised for any actions or perceptions that may have caused offence, saying reconciliation remained important in public service.
He also extended similar sentiments to respected figures within his constituency, including what he described as a leading matriarch in Surulere, expressing regret for any unintended offence during his political engagements.
Despite the apology, Elliot maintained that his focus remains on strengthening party unity and delivering constituency projects, insisting that his record in Surulere speaks for itself and should be judged by residents based on performance.
The leadership dispute within the Lagos Assembly, which had previously caused divisions within the ruling party structure in the state, has since been resolved after a series of high-level political consultations.
