Why I Am Not Stepping Down for the Surulere APC Primaries – Desmond Elliot

Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has confirmed he will not withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I in Lagos. He is seeking a fourth consecutive term in the State House of Assembly.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Elliot said no party leader, including Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, requested that he step aside for another aspirant, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.

“Even when I declared my intention, I personally visited Abuja to inform my leader. He never asked me to step down,” Elliot said. He added that the President supports letting the people decide if he should continue.

Commitment to Constituents

Elliot emphasised that his decision to stay in the race stems from his commitment to serving his constituents. He also expressed interest in a principal officer role in the Assembly.

“We are being intimidated in Surulere,” he said, alleging that some political opponents are trying to influence voters. “If you are popular on the ground, there is no need to intimidate the people.”

Denial of Role in Obasa’s Impeachment

The lawmaker addressed recent claims that he played a central role in the attempted impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in early 2025. Elliot said he was out of the country when the impeachment process began. He only signed the document after returning and discovering that most lawmakers had already endorsed it.

“I did not mastermind anything. The Speaker continued in his role, and the House has moved on,” Elliot stated. He said he initially believed the move had party backing but later learned that President Tinubu had no prior knowledge of the attempt. Elliot called Gbajabiamila’s public comments on the matter “a shock.”

Expert View

Political analysts suggest that Elliot’s refusal to step down reflects a wider trend in which incumbents leverage established grassroots support to maintain influence. Analysts also note that party leaders increasingly allow constituents to decide in primaries to reduce internal conflicts.

FAQs

Q: Has Desmond Elliot ever stepped down for another aspirant before?
A: No, this is the first confirmed instance in his political career.

Q: Why are people linking him to Obasa’s impeachment?
A: Some party members alleged he was involved in the 2025 attempt, though he denies orchestrating it.

Q: What is his next step in the election?
A: Elliot plans to continue campaigning for his fourth term and pursue a principal officer position in the Lagos State House of Assembly.