NIGERIANS on social media have knocked Nollywood actor and politician, Desmond Elliot, for kneeling, in a viral video, before the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, and pleading for forgiveness.
The video showed the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, apologising to Gbajabiamila over his conduct during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I, which he eventually lost.
Elliot has tendered a resounding and emotional apology to Gbajabiamila, while on his knees, asking for forgiveness and reintegration.
The politician, who shared photos of his meeting with Gbajabiamila via his verified Instagram page on Sunday, September 13, expressed appreciation to his political godfather and mentor for remaining unwavering in his support, despite his shortcomings.
Admitting that he was misguided during the last primary election, Elliot accepted the outcome of the exercise and pledged to renew his loyalty to the GAC leadership in Lagos.
Sharing some videos and photos from the event, he wrote: “Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott wishes to sincerely express my heartfelt appreciation to my political father, mentor, and leader, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for his unwavering guidance, support, and investment in my political journey over the years.
“My respect and loyalty to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila remain unwavering. Everything I have achieved politically is all for Surulerians. Thanks for the love and for always believing in me.
“Therefore, I want to state publicly that no political ambition or temporary disagreement is worth damaging a relationship built on years of trust, guidance and shared commitment to the progress of our party and our people.
“I appeal for understanding and unity as we continue to work together for the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the development of Surulere and advancement of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“I remain committed to the ideals of loyalty, service, and respect for party leadership.”
“I’m sorry, I have no excuse. I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir,” Elliot said, before adding: “Don’t be angry, Daddy.”
Gbajabiamila, who listened to him, asked him to get up, saying: “There is no… please, get up.”
However, several Nigerians, on X, questioned why a serving lawmaker would publicly kneel before a senior politician in a bid to mend a political relationship.
One user, @Mrczar, wrote: “Whatever they are running in that Lagos is nasty mehn. Someone’s father?” while @Ijendu2, added: “You go Dey bow for your fellow man. You for just Dey your lane with you head high.”
Another user, @MoiAuthentic, noted: “Can’t you pick your career back and move on? Well, politics is juicier than any career,” with @skood009 saying: “If truly serving Nigerians were the goal and not personal enrichment, people would never kill, beg or manipulate their way back into power.”
For @curtisblowz: “APC na cartel,” arguing that politicians who fall out with the structure could eventually be forced to seek reconciliation.
Yet another user, @OsagieOche, wrote: “I want to throw up,” while @ObaDeyemi12 described the incident as “nonsense,” saying people should have something going for themselves, rather than depend on others for survival.
Trouble started Daily Trust reports that the backlash followed a bruising political episode between Elliot and the APC leadership over the party’s primary for the Surulere Constituency I seat.
Elliot, who was seeking a record fifth term, withdrew from the May primary.
Trouble started for the actor-turned politician when Gbajabiamila publicly said his alleged involvement in the Lagos Assembly leadership crisis and impeachment of its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who was later reinstated, nearly cost him his position as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff.
The former speaker of the House of Representatives said the situation at a point threatened his relationship with the President.
However, Elliot denied masterminding Obasa’s removal.
On May 19, shortly before the primary, Elliot said he had visited Gbajabiamila after obtaining his nomination form and that his political mentor had never asked him to withdraw from the contest nor directed him to step aside for any aspirant.
He later withdrew from the primary, alleging intimidation and political pressure against his supporters, while Gbajabiamila’s backed aspirant, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, won the election.
Elliot later rejected the outcome, vowing to challenge the outcome through the party’s internal appeal process.
In May, Elliot publicly apologised to Gbajabiamila during a television programme, describing him as his political mentor and “daddy.”
