Desmond Elliot fourth term bid opposition grows as Surulere stakeholders reject his re-election, citing poor performance and lack of progress
A coalition of stakeholders in Surulere, Lagos State, has rejected the fourth term ambition of Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing dissatisfaction with his performance over three terms.
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The group, Surulere Accountability Forum, announced its position in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesman, Olanrewaju Badmus, who said the lawmaker had failed to deliver measurable progress in the constituency.
According to the coalition, Desmond Elliot’s tenure has been marked by what it described as stagnation, with limited innovation in addressing critical issues such as infrastructure decay, youth unemployment and inadequate primary healthcare.
“We are not opposed to any individual on principle, but we refuse to endorse continued leadership that has not produced tangible improvements for our wards,” Olanrewaju Badmus said.
“Three terms should have produced clear, measurable progress. Instead, we have experienced stagnation, recycled ideas, and little evidence of policy leadership that responds to Surulere’s evolving challenges,” Olanrewaju Badmus added.
The forum stressed that its stance was driven by a firm commitment to accountability rather than personal bias, noting that leadership must remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of residents.
Olanrewaju Badmus also addressed what he described as attempts to mischaracterise the group’s position, insisting that the decision was neither reactionary nor influenced by recent political developments.
He called for the emergence of new candidates with fresh ideas and renewed energy to reposition Surulere Constituency I, emphasising the importance of people-centred representation.
“As stakeholders, the forum affirms its commitment to upholding democratic values, promoting inclusive participation in leadership and ensuring that the voice of the people remains a priority,” he said.
The development comes amid mixed reactions within the constituency. On Tuesday, some residents organised a rally in support of Desmond Elliot’s bid for a fourth term, highlighting a growing divide in local political sentiment.
Desmond Elliot, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015, securing re-election in 2019 and 2023.
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Political observers say the coming months could prove decisive, as competing narratives around performance and continuity shape the future of representation in the constituency.
