By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot has raised concerns over alleged intimidation in Surulere, claiming that political actors in the area are being subjected to pressure and harassment, a situation he insists must stop immediately.
Elliot made the allegation on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
During the broadcast, he also reacted to comments made by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, regarding the 2025 Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, which involved the brief impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The lawmaker stated that it came as a shock to hear claims linking him to the crisis, stressing that he did not expect such allegations from within his own political circle.
Beyond the impeachment controversy, Elliot alleged that there is ongoing intimidation within his constituency in Surulere, claiming that individuals are being pressured over political disagreements.
According to him, the situation has created tension in the area and must be addressed to prevent further escalation.
He further alleged that the leadership of the Surulere local government is responsible for mobilizing and coaching individuals to intimidate perceived opponents.
Calling for an immediate end to such practices, Elliot insisted that his focus remains on governance and representation, and that political disagreements should never degenerate into the harassment or intimidation of constituents.
Regarding the Obasa impeachment crisis, Elliot restated that he was abroad during the early stages of the development.
He explained that he had traveled to South Africa around January 13, 2025, for a family event, and noted that he only appended his signature to the impeachment document because he believed the process had already received approval from the relevant authorities.
He added that many lawmakers had already signed before him.
He further noted that the decision was later reversed after President Bola Tinubu reportedly clarified that he did not authorize the removal of the Speaker. This clarification led to Obasa’s reinstatement after weeks of tension in the Assembly.
The Obasa leadership crisis, which rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly in early 2025, created deep divisions within both the chamber and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before it was eventually resolved through party intervention.
Gbajabiamila’s recent comments have continued to generate political reactions, especially regarding the roles played by key stakeholders during the episode.