Lagos State lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has apologized to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his actions during the last All Progressives Congress primary election, seeking to mend their strained relationship.
Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, tendered the apology during a meeting with Gbajabiamila and other party chieftains, where he reportedly went on his knees and prostrated before the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In a video shared by Lagos Junction on X on Sunday, Elliot expressed regret over his actions, saying he might have been misguided during the primary election.
“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” he said.
Gbajabiamila subsequently asked Elliot to get up.
Insightlinks recalls that the latest apology comes against the backdrop of a political rift between the two men linked to the leadership crisis that rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly and disagreements within the Lagos APC.
The crisis reportedly deepened after Gbajabiamila disclosed that he faced difficulties at the Presidency over intelligence reports allegedly linking Elliot to political moves surrounding the Assembly speakership tussle.
Gbajabiamila had said President Bola Tinubu confronted him over the reports, although the former Speaker did not accept the allegations against Elliot as established fact.
The Assembly leadership crisis, which generated tension within the Lagos APC, was eventually resolved following interventions by senior party leaders.
Elliot had previously apologized to Gbajabiamila during an appearance on TVC’s Your View, admitting that he might have offended his political mentor through his political engagements.
The lawmaker said any misunderstanding between them was not deliberate and reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s unity and the development of his constituency.
“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” Elliot said.
He added, “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way.”
By renewing his apology and publicly seeking reconciliation, Elliot appears determined to put the political disagreement behind him and restore his relationship with one of his key political mentors and the wider leadership of the Lagos APC.
Clarify the rift’s political background
Tighten the repeated apology details
Use more cautious wording on allegations