Elliot shared the rally pictures and a campaign message on social media shortly after Gbajabiamila publicly spoke about the political crisis in the Lagos Assembly involving former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, a dispute that reportedly threatened his standing within the presidency.………
In the message attached to the rally photos, Elliot maintained that his connection with the people of Surulere and his grassroots political activities were not motivated by elections alone. According to him, the outreach and engagement seen during the rally had always been part of his regular interaction with constituents, but they become more noticeable during election periods when public attention increases.
“What you’re seeing is our everyday, organic campaign — not a new act. Maybe it feels like ‘more’ now because people actually pay attention during election season. Transparency doesn’t start and stop with elections,” he stated.
He also suggested that while media narratives could be influenced or manipulated, the impact of his projects and political work at the grassroots level remained visible to the people. Elliot accompanied the post with hashtags such as “#inGodwetrust,” “#Doe,” and “#forsurulere.”
The development came only hours after Gbajabiamila disclosed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos that President Tinubu had summoned him to Abuja over allegations that Elliot played a role in the attempted removal of Obasa during the leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly.
Speaking at the meeting, Gbajabiamila explained that Tinubu confronted him over reports that Elliot, widely regarded as one of his political loyalists, was allegedly involved in efforts to unseat Obasa as Speaker.
“I almost lost my job because of Desmond Elliot last year. You can go and verify,” Gbajabiamila said during the gathering.
He further explained that he initially defended Elliot against the allegations before later receiving reports that allegedly linked the lawmaker to the political turmoil within the Assembly. Gbajabiamila claimed that despite repeated warnings and advice, Elliot failed to openly distance himself from the impeachment plot, a development he said nearly cost him his appointment as Chief of Staff.
The comments have continued to stir reactions within political circles in Lagos, especially as Elliot seeks a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Political observers believe the lawmaker’s latest rally post may have been aimed at reassuring supporters of his political relevance and grassroots influence despite the controversy surrounding his relationship with Gbajabiamila and the lingering tensions from the Assembly crisis.
