Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliot, has apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following disagreements between them during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.

Gbajabiamila had backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare against Elliot, who was seeking re-election to represent Surulere Constituency I in the Assembly.

Odunuga-Bakare emerged victorious after Elliot withdrew from the primary, alleging that some of his supporters were intimidated and prevented from accessing the voting venue.

Elliot had, on the day of the primary, accused electoral officials of denying several of his supporters access to the venue despite repeated appeals.

The disagreement came amid earlier allegations linking Elliot to the crisis that engulfed the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership.

Speaking at an APC stakeholders’ meeting in a viral video circulated before the May primary, Gbajabiamila said he nearly lost his position as Chief of Staff during the Assembly leadership crisis over allegations concerning Elliot’s role in the dispute.

Gbajabiamila said President Bola Tinubu had confronted him over intelligence reports alleging that Elliot was among lawmakers backing moves against former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

Gbajabiamila and Elliot had not been publicly seen together since the primary until Sunday, when a video emerged showing the lawmaker kneeling before the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In the video shared by Lagos Junction on social media, Elliot appealed to Gbajabiamila for forgiveness and reconciliation with the APC leadership in Lagos.

The lawmaker expressed remorse over his actions, saying he may have acted based on a misguided impression during the primary. He also promised to conduct himself better in the future.

“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” Elliot said.

In a separate statement shared on Instagram, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as his political father, mentor and leader, thanking him for his guidance and support throughout his political career.

Elliot said his respect and loyalty to Gbajabiamila remained unwavering, adding that no political ambition or temporary disagreement was worth damaging their relationship.

He appealed for understanding and unity among APC members as they work towards the growth of the party, the development of Surulere, Lagos State and Nigeria.

Elliot reaffirmed his commitment to loyalty, service and respect for the party’s leadership.

“Everything I have achieved politically is all for Surulerians. Thanks for the love and always believing in me. It is therefore important for me to publicly state that no political ambition or temporary disagreement is worth damaging a relationship built on years of trust, guidance, and shared commitment to the progress of our party and our people,” he wrote.

Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliot, has apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following disagreements between them during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.

Gbajabiamila had backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare against Elliot, who was seeking re-election to represent Surulere Constituency I in the Assembly.

Odunuga-Bakare emerged victorious after Elliot withdrew from the primary, alleging that some of his supporters were intimidated and prevented from accessing the voting venue.

Elliot had, on the day of the primary, accused electoral officials of denying several of his supporters access to the venue despite repeated appeals.

The disagreement came amid earlier allegations linking Elliot to the crisis that engulfed the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership.

Speaking at an APC stakeholders’ meeting in a viral video circulated before the May primary, Gbajabiamila said he nearly lost his position as Chief of Staff during the Assembly leadership crisis over allegations concerning Elliot’s role in the dispute.

Gbajabiamila said President Bola Tinubu had confronted him over intelligence reports alleging that Elliot was among lawmakers backing moves against former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

Gbajabiamila and Elliot had not been publicly seen together since the primary until Sunday, when a video emerged showing the lawmaker kneeling before the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In the video shared by Lagos Junction on social media, Elliot appealed to Gbajabiamila for forgiveness and reconciliation with the APC leadership in Lagos.

The lawmaker expressed remorse over his actions, saying he may have acted based on a misguided impression during the primary. He also promised to conduct himself better in the future.

“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” Elliot said.

In a separate statement shared on Instagram, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as his political father, mentor and leader, thanking him for his guidance and support throughout his political career.

Elliot said his respect and loyalty to Gbajabiamila remained unwavering, adding that no political ambition or temporary disagreement was worth damaging their relationship.

He appealed for understanding and unity among APC members as they work towards the growth of the party, the development of Surulere, Lagos State and Nigeria.

Elliot reaffirmed his commitment to loyalty, service and respect for the party’s leadership.

“Everything I have achieved politically is all for Surulerians. Thanks for the love and always believing in me. It is therefore important for me to publicly state that no political ambition or temporary disagreement is worth damaging a relationship built on years of trust, guidance, and shared commitment to the progress of our party and our people,” he wrote.