Dare Babalola
Lagos lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has urged his supporters in Surulere not to succumb to political intimidation ahead of the May 21, 2026 All Progressives Congress primary election.
The lawmaker declared that securing a fourth term would position him for a principal office role in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot made the remarks during a gathering of supporters in Surulere amid growing political tension surrounding his re-election bid and recent reconciliation moves with Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Addressing party loyalists, the lawmaker alleged that political opponents who were previously inactive had suddenly resorted to intimidation tactics in a bid to weaken his support base.
“Sometimes they call Surulere Ward E Ward Elliot, but now it has become Ward Intimidation. That is true. They were not working before, now they are intimidating you people, do not let them intimidate you,” he said.
He told supporters that their continued backing of his political ambition was tied to the possibility of him emerging as a principal officer in the Assembly if re-elected for a fourth term.
“The reason is because you have invested in me, the reason is because if I win this fourth term, I will become a principal officer by God’s grace. There is benefit if I become a principal officer,” Elliot added.
The lawmaker also questioned efforts allegedly being made to stop his political ambition, insisting that his faith remained in God.
“I do not know why they are trying to stop me but one with God is majority. If it was God who made me a Lagos lawmaker, that same God will take me back because my trust is in him,” he said.
He further urged party members and residents to remain resolute during the APC primary process.
“Don’t be scared, on May 21, 2026, line up, stand your ground, no intimidation,” he declared.
During the gathering, Elliot also quoted “Psalm 1:21” amid loud cheers from supporters, while some attendees broke into songs that subtly mocked and ridiculed politicians believed to be opposing his re-election bid.
The actor-turned-politician was seen dancing and applauding as supporters chorused the songs.
The latest development comes barely a day after Elliot publicly sought reconciliation with Gbajabiamila over past political disagreements believed to have emerged during the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis.
Speaking during an appearance on the television programme Your View on Friday, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as a mentor and elder brother who played a major role in shaping his political career.
He expressed regret over any misunderstanding that may have strained their relationship and apologised for any perceived offence.
The apology followed months of speculation surrounding divisions within Lagos APC political circles after reports linked Elliot to political manoeuvres during the Assembly leadership dispute.
The matter was later resolved following high-level interventions involving key party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu.
Despite the controversies, Elliot maintained that his focus remained on strengthening party unity and continuing constituency projects in Surulere, insisting that residents should judge him based on his performance in office.
