Stakeholders in Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos State, are urging incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot to step down, rejecting his bid for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot, who transitioned from a movie career to politics, has represented the constituency since 2015. He now faces a direct challenge from Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who resigned to join the race.
Political observers highlight that Odunuga-Bakare, considered a protégé of House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, enjoys strong support from the Presidency.
Elliot’s previous advantage, boosted by his celebrity profile and backing from entertainment figures such as Funsho Adeola, appears to be fading. Critics argue that, as a non-indigene who grew up in Surulere, Elliot has overstayed his welcome, with party members insisting that three terms are sufficient.
Olanrewaju Badmus, spokesman for the Surulere Accountability Forum, said Elliot’s tenure has been marked by weak policy innovation, limited legislative achievements, and insufficient attention to local concerns.
“Three terms should have produced tangible progress. Instead, we have seen stagnation, recycled ideas, and little evidence of responsive leadership,” Badmus said, emphasizing that the call for change is not personal but rooted in the need for accountable leadership.
He added, “We urge Surulere to present candidates with fresh energy and innovative ideas capable of tackling infrastructure decay, youth unemployment, and inadequate healthcare.”
