Lagos State House of Assembly member Desmond Elliot has apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, following a political disagreement that emerged from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Surulere.
In a video circulating on social media, Elliot was seen kneeling before Gbajabiamila and pleading for forgiveness. The lawmaker said he had no excuse for his actions and expressed regret over the disagreement.
“I don’t have any excuse. I have nothing to say other than that I am deeply sorry, sir,” Elliot said, adding that his gesture reflected the cultural practice of showing respect to an elder.
The apology follows months of tension between the two politicians. Elliot had been involved in political developments surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis and later faced opposition from Gbajabiamila during the APC primary contest for the Surulere Constituency I seat.
Elliot, who was seeking another term in the Lagos Assembly, reportedly withdrew from the primary after alleging intimidation and political pressure against his supporters. He subsequently rejected the outcome and indicated that he would challenge the process through the party’s internal mechanisms.
Barakat Odunuga-Bakare emerged as the APC candidate after winning the primary, while Elliot lost the contest. Reports said Gbajabiamila backed Odunuga-Bakare during the political contest.
The latest reconciliation effort is significant as the APC continues to strengthen its political structure in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections. Restoring relations between influential party figures could help reduce internal divisions and improve cohesion within the party.
Elliot has also reaffirmed his loyalty to Gbajabiamila and the APC leadership, signalling an effort to move beyond the disagreement.
The development adds to the wider story of political realignments within Lagos APC, where party primaries and leadership disputes have continued to shape the ambitions of politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.
