‘I’m sorry’: Desmond Elliot apologises to Gbajabiamila, reaffirms loyalty to APC

Actor-turned-politician and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has apologised to President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the fallout from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Lagos.

In a video from a recent meeting with party leaders, Elliot was seen kneeling before Gbajabiamila as he sought forgiveness for his actions during the controversial primary election.

The lawmaker representing Surulere admitted that he had been misled during the process and appealed to the APC leadership in Lagos to forgive him and allow him to fully return to the party’s political fold.

He also accepted the outcome of the primary election and pledged his continued loyalty to the APC, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s leadership, particularly the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

The reconciliation effort comes months after Elliot’s relationship with Gbajabiamila deteriorated over the APC primary for Surulere Constituency I.

Gbajabiamila, who played a key role in Elliot’s political emergence, had backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare during the primary contest.

Elliot later pulled out of the exercise, alleging intimidation and irregularities in the conduct of the primary.

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In the video, the lawmaker also dismissed claims that he had aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo or Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.

Elliot stressed that he remained a loyal member of the ruling party and pledged to continue supporting its leadership and ideals in Lagos.

The public apology is widely seen as an effort by Elliot to rebuild ties with influential APC leaders following the internal disputes that trailed the party’s primary election in the state.