Desmond Elliot has obtained the All Progressives Congress nomination form to seek a return to the Lagos State House of Assembly, setting up a fresh contest for Surulere Constituency I ahead of the 2027 election.
He announced the move in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, saying he was seeking a return mandate to continue his service to Surulere. Elliot said the decision was driven by a commitment to consolidate on the progress made in the constituency and urged his supporters to remain calm, steadfast and focused.
He also said a return to the House would make him a ranking member, with benefits that would flow to the constituency. “Give me another chance and let’s move on, and let’s bring more dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.
The declaration came days after Elliot dismissed reports of a rift with Femi Gbajabiamila during a visit to his constituency. He said he did not have any issue with Gbajabiamila and added that if he had erred in any way, he was sorry.
The race is already drawing interest inside the party. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare has secured the endorsement of some APC stakeholders in Surulere 1 after a weeklong tour of the constituency, during which her team met ward leaders and other stakeholders. She recently resigned from her appointment in the Sanwo-Olu administration and is seeking the APC ticket alongside Elliot.
Supporters pushing for a change say the veteran lawmaker should make way after three terms. Sulaiman Yusuf said Elliot has served for three terms and it is time to give another person the opportunity, while Khadijat Kareem said Odunuga-Bakare has the experience and competence to deliver for the constituency.
Elliot is currently the representative for Surulere 1 and is seeking a fourth term, with the 2027 Lagos House of Assembly election now shaping into a direct test of incumbency, party loyalty and local support in one of Lagos politics’ more closely watched constituencies.
