Fresh political tension is building in Lagos State following reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has turned down efforts by party loyalists who are pushing for actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot to secure a fourth consecutive term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I, has been in office since 2015 and is said to be preparing for another run in the 2027 elections. However, recent developments suggest that his ambition may be facing serious resistance from the highest level of the All Progressives Congress leadership.
According to insiders within the party, a group of influential figures and grassroots stakeholders recently approached the President to advocate for Elliot’s continued stay in office. Their argument reportedly centered on continuity, experience, and the projects he has been involved in during his time as a legislator.
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Despite these appeals, Tinubu is said to have made it clear that the party must begin to create space for new entrants. Sources indicate that he emphasized the importance of internal rotation and the need to give other qualified individuals within the constituency an opportunity to serve.
This position is believed to reflect a broader strategy aimed at refreshing the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. There is growing concern within the APC about maintaining grassroots support, especially among younger voters, and the idea of introducing new faces is seen as a way to strengthen the party’s long-term appeal.
While Elliot remains a loyal member of the party and has maintained a visible presence in his constituency, the belief in some quarters is that twelve years in office is a significant period for any lawmaker. Party leaders are said to be increasingly focused on balancing experience with renewal, particularly in areas where the same representatives have held positions for multiple terms.
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Desmond Elliot has not publicly backed down from his ambition. In recent statements, he expressed his intention to seek another term, pointing to ongoing initiatives and the value of legislative experience in completing long-term projects. He has also encouraged his supporters to remain confident in the direction of governance and to continue backing his efforts.
Even so, his political journey has not been without challenges. Over the years, he has faced criticism from sections of the public, particularly on social media. His comments during the EndSARS protests in 2020 remain a point of debate, and there have also been concerns raised about infrastructure and representation within his constituency. These issues could play a role in shaping opinions as the next election cycle approaches.
The reported stance by Tinubu comes at a time when political alignments in Lagos are beginning to take clearer shape ahead of 2027. Not long ago, the President publicly endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred candidate for the governorship race under the APC. That move was widely interpreted as an effort to maintain unity within the party and provide early direction for its supporters.
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In that context, the situation surrounding Desmond Elliot is seen as part of a wider effort to reorganize and strengthen the party’s structure. By encouraging turnover in legislative positions while backing established figures for key executive roles, the leadership appears to be working toward a balance between continuity and change.
For other long-serving lawmakers, this development may serve as a signal that holding office for multiple terms does not automatically guarantee future endorsements. The emphasis seems to be shifting toward broader participation and internal competition, which could reshape how candidates emerge within the party.
Attention is now turning to Surulere Constituency I, where the political landscape may soon become more competitive. With uncertainty surrounding Elliot’s chances of securing the party’s ticket, several potential aspirants are already being mentioned. These include younger politicians, professionals, and grassroots organizers who have been waiting for an opportunity to step forward.
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The coming months are likely to bring increased political activity within the constituency as interested candidates begin consultations and build support. Party leaders at the local and state levels will also play a key role in determining how the selection process unfolds.
For Desmond Elliot, the path ahead is no longer straightforward. While he retains name recognition and political experience, the lack of clear backing from influential quarters could present a significant obstacle. His ability to navigate the situation, maintain support within his constituency, and respond to internal party dynamics will be crucial in determining his political future.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections gradually begins, developments like this highlight the shifting nature of Lagos politics, where loyalty, performance, and timing all play a role in shaping who gets the opportunity to serve.
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