The bid by Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliot, to return for a fourth term has reportedly hit a political roadblock after President Bola Tinubu declined multiple appeals to intervene in his favour.
According to political sources, several influential figures—including a retired military officer, Elliot’s wife, a serving senator, a minister, and another presidential ally—were said to have separately approached the President at different times, urging him to support the lawmaker’s bid ahead of the Surulere APC primaries.
However, insiders claim all efforts were unsuccessful, as the President consistently maintained that internal party democracy must be respected.
Tinubu was reportedly firm that the decision of Surulere APC stakeholders, who have endorsed former Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, should stand, particularly as part of a broader push for gender inclusion and grassroots representation.
The President is also said to have emphasized his support for his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, whom he described as a key figure in Surulere politics and development, noting that local party structures should not be overridden by external influence.
In one of the reported meetings, Tinubu was quoted as saying that direct primaries would ultimately reflect who truly commands political support in the constituency, rather than relying on lobbying from outside stakeholders.
He also referenced Elliot’s political rise, recalling that his involvement in politics began after former President Olusegun Obasanjo encouraged him to support his emergence in 2015, with backing from Gbajabiamila and Surulere leaders.
The President was further quoted as warning against ignoring grassroots structures, drawing parallels with recent political tensions in other parts of the country, where disregard for local political realities led to instability.
Despite the setback, sources say Elliot is still relying on last-minute interventions from allies close to the Presidency as the Surulere 1 State Assembly primary scheduled for May 20, 2026, approaches.
Meanwhile, a local political group, the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), has backed the move to replace him, describing his 12-year tenure as lacking strong representation and effective leadership.
According to SAF Chairman, Olanrewaju Badmus, the push for change reflects the will of constituents who believe it is time for new leadership in the district.
“The call for change is not accidental. It is the verdict of a constituency that has been patient long enough,” he said.
The unfolding development signals a heated political battle in Surulere as party stakeholders, aspirants, and national figures position ahead of the 2026 primaries.
