Desmond Elliot Publicly Apologises to Gbajabiamila Amid Reflections on Lagos Political Tensions

Desmond Elliot publicly apologises to Femi Gbajabiamila over past political tensions linked to the Lagos Assembly crisis, describing the presidential Chief of Staff as his political mentor and “egbon.”

by chisom adaeze

Desmond Elliot has publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, acknowledging that political misunderstandings and tensions may have caused offence during recent political developments within Lagos State.

Speaking during an appearance on TVC Communications’s Your View programme on Friday, the Lagos lawmaker and Nollywood actor described Gbajabiamila as both a political mentor and elder brother figure, saying he learned much of his political experience under the former Speaker’s guidance.

Elliot’s emotional remarks come months after political tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis generated controversy within the ruling All Progressives Congress. The crisis had sparked internal divisions among party loyalists and intensified conversations about influence, loyalty, and political control within Lagos politics.

During the interview, Elliot suggested that political disagreements and heightened emotions may have contributed to misunderstandings between both men, insisting that any perceived offence was never intentional.

“I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” Elliot said while addressing Gbajabiamila publicly. “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way.”

The apology follows earlier revelations by Gbajabiamila, who disclosed that he nearly faced serious political consequences within the presidency over allegations connected to Elliot’s involvement in the Lagos Assembly speakership dispute. According to Gbajabiamila, intelligence reports presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubusuggested Elliot may have been linked to political manoeuvres surrounding the leadership crisis — claims that were strongly denied at the time.

The Lagos Assembly crisis became one of the most closely watched political developments in the state, exposing internal power struggles within the APC and raising questions about factional influence ahead of future political contests. The situation eventually required high-level intervention from party leaders to restore calm and maintain party unity.

Beyond apologising to Gbajabiamila, Elliot also extended a public apology to what he described as the “matriarch of Surulere,” expressing regret if any of his political actions or comments had caused offence within his constituency or among senior political figures.

Despite the controversy, Elliot maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the APC in Surulere and continuing developmental projects within the constituency he represents in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“My scorecard is there,” he said, while highlighting his efforts toward community development and political stability in Surulere.

Political analysts say Elliot’s apology reflects the importance of loyalty, reconciliation, and internal diplomacy within Nigerian politics, particularly within influential political structures like Lagos APC. Observers also note that public displays of reconciliation often play a strategic role in preserving alliances and political relevance ahead of future elections.

As political activity gradually intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, the episode also highlights how internal party disputes continue to shape relationships and power dynamics within Nigeria’s ruling political elite.