Tinubu Reportedly Shuts Door On Desmond Elliot’s 4th Term Bid, Sparks Political Upheaval Ahead Of 2027

According to multiple Presidency sources, Tinubu consistently rejected separate lobbying attempts made by influential individuals advocating for Elliot’s return to the Assembly.

Reports indicate that some political actors had urged the President to override the position of Surulere All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, who have instead backed former Lagos State Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, as Elliot’s possible replacement.

It was further gathered that Elliot allegedly deployed several intermediaries—including a retired military officer, his wife, a senator, a serving minister, and a close presidential ally—to appeal to the Presidency, but all efforts reportedly failed to secure Tinubu’s approval.

The President was said to have maintained that his position aligns with the majority view of Surulere stakeholders and that he would not interfere with decisions already supported by key party leaders, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu was also quoted as stating that the outcome of the APC direct primaries would reflect the true preference of the people rather than external influence.

“If those who supported Desmond for twelve years can no longer defend him, that says everything,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF) has backed the move against Elliot’s fourth-term ambition.

SAF Chairman, Olanrewaju Badmus, described Elliot’s 12-year tenure as marked by “poor representation and leadership concerns,” adding that many constituents now favour change in Surulere’s representation at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said the demand for new leadership reflects the long-standing position of residents who feel it is time for a shift in political representation.