‘I’m Deeply Sorry, Daddy’ — Desmond Elliot Kneels Before Gbajabiamila

• Desmond Elliot has apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila after their fallout over the APC primary in Surulere, with the Lagos lawmaker seen kneeling before the former Speaker and saying, “I’m deeply sorry, Daddy.”

Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot has publicly apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a disagreement over the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Surulere.

Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, was seen kneeling before Gbajabiamila in a viral video on Sunday as he sought forgiveness and reconciliation with the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and APC leadership in Lagos.

The development followed the APC primary in which Gbajabiamila backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare against Elliot, who had sought re-election to represent the constituency.

Odunuga-Bakare eventually defeated the other aspirants after Elliot withdrew from the race, alleging that his supporters were intimidated and denied access to the venue of the primary.

The actor-turned-politician had said he repeatedly appealed to electoral officials to allow his supporters into the venue, but his pleas were ignored.

He also alleged that several of his supporters were prevented from entering despite repeated interventions.

Following the primary, Elliot and Gbajabiamila were not publicly seen together until Sunday, when footage emerged showing the lawmaker kneeling before the former Speaker and asking for his forgiveness.

In the video, Elliot expressed remorse over his conduct during the primary, saying he may have acted based on a misguided impression.

“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” Elliot said.

He also pledged to conduct himself better going forward while seeking to restore his relationship with Gbajabiamila and the party leadership.

After Elliot knelt and apologised, Gbajabiamila asked him to stand up.

“There is no… please, get up,” he said.

Elliot later reaffirmed his loyalty to Gbajabiamila in a statement shared on Instagram following their meeting.

He appealed for understanding and unity among party members as they continue efforts to strengthen the APC, develop Surulere and advance Lagos State and Nigeria.

“I, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott, wish 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.

“I remain committed to the ideals of loyalty, service, and respect for party leadership; my respect and loyalty to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila remains unwavering. Everything I have achieved politically is all for Surulerians.”

Elliot also thanked his constituents and Gbajabiamila for their love and continued belief in him, stressing that political ambition should not destroy longstanding relationships.

“It is therefore important for me to publicly state 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.”