Lagos State House of Assembly member Desmond Elliot has apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila following a disagreement over the All Progressives Congress primary election in Lagos.
Elliot reportedly pleaded for forgiveness from Gbajabiamila in a video circulating online. He was seen on his knees while asking for forgiveness and seeking reintegration into the ruling party.
The development followed a dispute between Elliot and APC leaders after the party’s primary for the Surulere Constituency I seat.
Elliot had withdrawn from the primary amid allegations of intimidation and political pressure against his supporters. He later rejected the outcome and indicated plans to challenge the process through the party’s appeal mechanism.
The primary eventually produced Barakat Odunuga-Bakare as the APC candidate. She secured a decisive victory over Elliot in the contest.
Desmond Elliot Apologises to Gbajabiamila
In the video, Elliot expressed regret over his actions and appealed to Gbajabiamila for forgiveness.
He said he had no excuse for what happened. Elliot also expressed hope that he would conduct himself differently in the future.
“I’m sorry, I have no excuse, I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry,” Elliot said.
He also asked for an opportunity to return to the APC fold in Lagos.
The apology marks a significant development after the disagreement that followed the party’s primary election.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, currently serves as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
The relationship between influential political figures can often shape developments within party structures. Recent political activities across Nigeria have also shown the importance of party leadership and grassroots support.
For instance, Ohuani, Idodo and Oruku Stakeholders Back APC Ahead of Enugu Elections highlighted how local stakeholders rallied behind APC candidates in Enugu.
Dispute Followed Surulere APC Primary
The disagreement began after the APC primary for Surulere Constituency I in May.
Elliot withdrew from the exercise before the process concluded. He alleged intimidation and political pressure against people supporting his candidacy.
He subsequently rejected the primary’s outcome. The lawmaker also indicated that he would use the party’s internal appeal process to challenge the exercise.
However, the APC eventually recognised Barakat Odunuga-Bakare as its candidate for the constituency.
Odunuga-Bakare secured 11,385 votes during the primary. Elliot received only 270 votes.
The wide margin gave Odunuga-Bakare a decisive victory in the contest.
Her emergence reportedly followed support from Gbajabiamila. That support became part of the political disagreement surrounding the primary.
Elliot’s latest apology could now signal an attempt to resolve the dispute and rebuild his relationship with the party leadership.
The development also comes as Nigerian politicians increasingly focus on the political calculations surrounding the 2027 elections.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has also remained active in the political space. His recent activities have generated controversy in Benue.
Read about the development in Tension as Suspected Thugs Prevent Peter Obi’s Convoy From Passing in Benue.
Elliot Seeks Reintegration Into APC
Elliot’s apology goes beyond a simple expression of regret.
The Lagos lawmaker also wants to return to the APC structure after the disagreement with party leaders.
His request for reintegration suggests that he wants to repair his relationship with the party.
Elliot has remained a prominent political figure in Surulere. He first gained widespread public recognition through the entertainment industry before entering politics.
His political career has included representation in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The latest development could therefore have implications for his political future within the APC.
Party reconciliation can become important when internal disputes threaten unity. It can also help parties maintain their structures ahead of major elections.
Other politicians have recently intensified their political activities ahead of 2027.
Dino Melaye, for example, recently threatened mass action over an alleged move against Atiku Abubakar. Read the full report in Dino Melaye Threatens Mass Action Over Alleged Plot to Arrest Atiku.
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has also announced a youth football tournament linked to President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign. More details are available in 2027: Obafemi Martins Unveils Renewed Hope Tournament in Support of Tinubu.
Gbajabiamila Remains Influential in Lagos Politics
Gbajabiamila remains an influential figure within Lagos politics and the APC structure.
His political influence has been particularly strong in Surulere, where he previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives.
The dispute involving Elliot therefore attracted attention because of the political relationships involved.
Odunuga-Bakare’s victory also demonstrated the importance of party support during internal contests.
With the latest apology, Elliot appears to be seeking a fresh start with the party leadership.
However, it remains unclear whether the apology will lead to his formal reintegration into the APC structure.
No details were provided about any formal agreement between Elliot and the party leadership.
The political situation will likely become clearer as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
Across the country, politicians are already strengthening their grassroots structures.
In Enugu, Mike Ogbuekwe recently received support from residents during his APC campaign in Nara. Nara Residents Rally Behind Ogbuekwe as APC Takes Mbah’s Development Message to Wards.
Princess Obiajulu Ugwu has also started preparations for her 2027 re-election campaign. She promised an issue-based and people-centred approach in her constituency.
Read more in Princess Ugwu Begins 2027 Re-election Campaign, Promises People-Centred Engagement.
What Led to Elliot’s Apology?
The exact circumstances surrounding the video were not fully disclosed in the available report.
However, Elliot’s comments clearly showed that he wanted to apologise for his actions during the period of the APC primary dispute.
His statement also suggested that he wanted to learn from the disagreement.
The lawmaker said he hoped to be “cultured” in the future while asking for forgiveness.
The gesture could help reduce tensions between him and influential APC figures in Lagos.
Political disagreements often emerge during party primaries because several aspirants compete for the same ticket.
Internal disputes can become particularly intense when candidates believe that party structures favour one aspirant.
Elliot’s case followed that pattern after he withdrew from the Surulere Constituency I primary.
He then challenged the process and rejected the outcome.
The primary nevertheless produced Odunuga-Bakare as the winner.
She defeated Elliot by more than 11,000 votes, according to the figures reported from the exercise.
Odunuga-Bakare Defeated Elliot by Wide Margin
The primary results showed a major difference between the two aspirants.
Odunuga-Bakare polled 11,385 votes. Elliot secured 270 votes.
The figures placed Odunuga-Bakare firmly ahead in the contest.
Her victory meant that Elliot lost the APC ticket for Surulere Constituency I.
The development followed his earlier decision to withdraw from the exercise.
The latest apology now shifts attention from the primary results to Elliot’s relationship with the party.
His request for reintegration suggests that he may prefer reconciliation over continued internal disagreement.
The APC will ultimately determine how it responds to the development.
Meanwhile, political activity continues across Nigeria as parties prepare for future contests.
The Federal Government has also faced increasing scrutiny over its policies and spending.
For example, SERAP recently demanded explanations from INEC over alleged unaccounted electoral funds. Read more in SERAP Demands Answers From INEC Over ₦126bn Missing Electoral Funds.
APC Faces More Political Calculations Ahead of 2027
The development involving Elliot comes as political parties prepare for the next general elections.
President Bola Tinubu and the APC have continued to build support ahead of 2027.
First Lady Remi Tinubu has also appealed to Nigerians to support her husband’s re-election bid. Remi Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Re-elect Her Husband.
At the same time, opposition politicians are also making their own plans.
Omoyele Sowore recently made campaign promises involving wages and electricity. Read the report in 2027: Sowore Pledges ₦500,000 Wage, 24-Hour Electricity If Elected.
These developments show how political calculations are already shaping public discourse.
For Elliot, however, the immediate issue remains his relationship with the APC leadership in Lagos.
His public apology could open the door to reconciliation.
It could also help him maintain his political relevance within the ruling party.
Desmond Elliot Awaits APC’s Response
Desmond Elliot’s decision to apologise to Gbajabiamila has drawn attention within Lagos political circles.
The lawmaker acknowledged his actions and asked for forgiveness. He also expressed his desire to return to the APC fold.
The development followed a difficult primary contest in Surulere Constituency I.
Elliot had alleged intimidation before withdrawing from the exercise. He later rejected the outcome and considered an appeal within the party.
Odunuga-Bakare ultimately secured the APC ticket with 11,385 votes against Elliot’s 270 votes.
His latest move now focuses on reconciliation with the party leadership.
The available report does not state whether the APC has formally accepted his request.
For now, Desmond Elliot seeks return to APC after publicly apologising to one of the party’s influential figures in Lagos.
His next political steps will depend largely on how the party leadership responds to his appeal.
The development adds another chapter to the growing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
