Surulere Residents Reject Desmond Elliot 4th Term Bid
Surulere residents kick as stakeholders warn Gbajabiamila against ‘imposing’ Desmond Elliot for fourth term
A growing chorus of voices across Surulere has raised fresh concerns over reports that Desmond Elliot may be positioned for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, with residents and political stakeholders urging Femi Gbajabiamila to respect the mood on the ground.
In a statement released on Friday, a coalition of community leaders, residents and political actors warned that forcing an unpopular candidate on the people could hurt the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.
The statement, signed by Olanrewaju Badmus of the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), described Elliot’s over a decade in office as a period that failed to meet the expectations of many constituents.
“We feel unheard” — residents speak
Across streets in Iponri, Masha and Lawanson, conversations around representation have become more intense, with many residents expressing frustration over what they describe as a disconnect between leadership and the grassroots.
“For years, we’ve waited to see real impact in our community,” said Sheriffdeen Ojon, a resident who spoke with Echonews. “People are asking simple questions — what has really changed in our daily lives?”
Ojon claimed that much of the visible development in Surulere is often linked to the influence and projects associated with Gbajabiamila, rather than the lawmaker representing the constituency at the state level.
“We respect and appreciate Gbajabiamila for what he has done here,” he added. “But representation should be about presence, accessibility and results. People want to feel their lawmaker.”
A decision many say shaped the present
The stakeholders recalled that Elliot, a former Nollywood actor, emerged as candidate in 2015 despite not being deeply rooted in the local political structure at the time — a decision they believe continues to affect representation in the constituency.
According to Badmus, “Surulere has had to live with that choice for years. Many residents feel the opportunity to build stronger grassroots leadership was missed.”
The group insisted that repeating such a decision ahead of the 2027 elections could deepen dissatisfaction among voters.
Fear of political backlash
Beyond performance concerns, the stakeholders warned that ignoring public sentiment could come at a cost for the APC in future elections.
From Bank Olemo to Olawale Dawodu, residents say conversations are increasingly tilting towards the need for fresh leadership that understands the everyday realities of the people.
“There is a growing unity among residents on this issue,” Badmus noted. “People are more politically aware now and want to be part of the decision-making process.”
Appeal to Gbajabiamila
While expressing respect for Gbajabiamila’s leadership, the group appealed to him to listen closely to constituents and allow a more open and transparent candidate selection process.
“Surulere people still hold him in high regard,” Ojon said. “That is why they believe he will do the right thing and allow the people’s voice to count.”
Call for a new direction
The stakeholders also suggested that it may be time for Elliot to step aside after years in office, allowing new leadership to emerge.
“Representation should evolve,” Ojon added. “Fresh ideas and stronger community connection are what people are asking for now.”
Despite the strong position, the group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC, stressing that its concerns are rooted in a desire to see the party remain strong in Surulere.
“Our loyalty remains, but it must be reciprocal,” Badmus said. “If the party listens, Surulere will stand with it. If not, the outcome at the polls may reflect the people’s frustration.”
For many residents, the message is simple — after years of waiting, they want to be seen, heard and represented.
