Lagos State lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has publicly apologised to Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a political disagreement that strained their longstanding relationship.
Elliot was seen kneeling before Gbajabiamila in a video circulating on social media, as he appealed for forgiveness and reconciliation with his political mentor.
The development comes months after tensions emerged between the two politicians over Elliot’s political future and his bid for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Reports indicated that Gbajabiamila and leaders of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress had backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare for the Surulere Constituency I seat instead of Elliot.
Elliot initially resisted the decision and continued with his political ambition before eventually withdrawing from the APC primary, citing political pressure and intimidation of his supporters.
In a public message accompanying his apology, Elliot expressed appreciation to Gbajabiamila for his guidance and support throughout his political career.
He reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, stressing that no political ambition or temporary disagreement should destroy a relationship built over years.
Elliot also appealed for unity within the APC and pledged to continue working for the development of Surulere, Lagos State and Nigeria.
The actor-turned-politician described Gbajabiamila as his political father, mentor and leader, while expressing his desire to restore their relationship and continue working together within the party.
The public apology marks a notable development in the relationship between the two politicians, whose political partnership has been prominent in Lagos politics over the years.
