A coalition of political stakeholders in Surulere has urged the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to refrain from backing any move that could lead to the emergence of the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, for a fourth consecutive term.
The group said imposing a candidate against the wishes of constituents could undermine internal democracy within the All Progressive Congress (APC) and negatively affect the party’s electoral fortunes in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The position was contained in a statement by the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF) and signed by its spokesman, Olanrewaju Badmus, who said the views expressed reflected the concerns of residents, community leaders, and political stakeholders across Surulere Constituency I.
According to the coalition, there is growing dissatisfaction among constituents over the quality of representation in the state assembly, with many residents calling for new leadership and broader participation in the party’s candidate selection process.
Badmus argued that the constituency required renewed representation rooted in grassroots engagement, adding that party decisions must align with the aspirations of voters rather than political influence.
He recalled the circumstances surrounding the 2015 elections, noting that Elliot emerged as the party’s candidate despite limited political involvement in the constituency at the time.
The coalition maintained that residents had supported the lawmaker in previous elections based on appeals from party leaders but said sentiments within the constituency had since changed.
The group warned that insisting on Elliot’s candidacy for another term could create disaffection among party supporters and weaken the APC’s chances in Surulere during future elections.
While reaffirming their loyalty to the ruling party, the stakeholders called on party leadership to ensure a transparent and credible process that would allow a new candidate to emerge through internal democracy.
They stressed that respect for the views of constituents remained essential to sustaining party unity and electoral success.
“We will not work against our own future. If the party listens to the people and rejects imposition, Surulere will stand firmly with APC in 2027. If it does otherwise, it should be ready to bear the consequences at the polls. Enough of anyone using Nollywood fame to cajole poor constituents. Surulere people are wiser now,” Badmus said.
Also speaking, a resident, Sheriffdeen Ojon, expressed concern over reports of a possible fourth-term ambition by the lawmaker, questioning the impact of his representation over the years.
Ojon alleged that many developmental strides associated with Surulere were largely attributed to other political actors and urged the lawmaker to step aside to allow fresh leadership to emerge in the constituency.
He added that residents continued to hold Gbajabiamila in high regard and appealed to him to consider the prevailing mood among constituents in decisions relating to political representation Surulere.
Both Badmus and Ojon emphasised the need for inclusive political processes, urging party leaders to prioritise the interests of constituents as preparations gradually begin toward the next election cycle.
Comments