Desmond Elliot dismisses rift rumours with Gbajabiamila, reaffirms loyalty

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has dismissed speculation of a breakdown in his relationship with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Tuesday, Elliot insisted that he remains loyal to President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila despite reports of political disagreements.

The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos assembly said democracy should not be run like a military regime where subordinates openly challenge authority.

“We are in a democracy and not a military regime. The names of President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila are too big for me,” he stated.

The lawmaker explained that he still regards Gbajabiamila as his political leader and father figure, stressing that temporary misunderstandings should not be exaggerated.

“I don’t only have a relationship with Gbajiabiamila. He is my boss. I’m loyal to him, and he loves me like a son. In life, even between father and son, there can be small issues once in a while, and people settle it,” he stated.

Elliot added that he was not expecting anyone to intervene in any perceived disagreement between him and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“I’m not waiting for anybody to settle anything. A child can apologise to the father, and the father will calm down when he is ready. But it is not the child that will tell the father when to calm down,” he said.

Elliot further stressed that despite the political tension, he would never abandon Gbajabiamila.

“God forbid that I will leave my father. The president can call me and say, ‘Boy, that is not you,’” he added.

Reacting to questions linking him to the crisis involving the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the presidency, Elliot declined to comment extensively on the issue.

“That one is beyond my power. I don’t think I should answer questions like that. Let me focus on what concerns me,” he said.

According to him, his immediate focus remains on delivering support for the All Progressives Congress at the grassroots and ensuring Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“What concerns me now is how to make the people of Surulere happy so they will continue to support my party. When they support my party, we will bring my president back for a second term so he can leave a legacy,” he said.

The lawmaker also admitted that the political situation had drawn him closer to God.

“The good thing about all this is that it has brought me closer to God. You cannot do this work without God,” he stated.

Speaking on his next political move after the primaries, Elliot reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

“I’m still a party member. I will follow my party. My prayer is that President Bola Tinubu returns as president. I want him to leave a legacy that will amaze people,” he said.