Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of concerned stakeholders in Surulere, in Wednesday, rejected Mr Desmond Elliot’s bid for a fourth term as the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The stakeholders, in a statement by its Spokesman, Mr Olanrewaju Badmus, said Elliot’s previous three terms were marred by dismal performance, weak policy innovation and failure to proactively address local needs.
Badmus said that community leaders, youth groups, small-business representatives and civil society organisations had collectively assessed Elliot’s legislative record and found it wanting.
The spokesperson for the group, speaking on behalf of the Surulere Accountability Forum, accused the lawmaker of delivering few constituency projects and having limited legislative impact.
He also alleged that Elliot lacked the creativity and drive to tackle infrastructure decay, youth unemployment and inadequate primary healthcare.
“We are not opposed to any individual on principle, but we refuse to endorse continued leadership that has not produced tangible improvements for our wards.
“Three terms should have produced clear, measurable progress.
“Instead, we have experienced stagnation, recycled ideas, and little evidence of policy leadership that responds to Surulere’s evolving challenges,” Badmus said.
He said the group’s position was not borne of malice or personal bias, but of a firm belief that no individual is bigger than the system.
“Leadership must remain accountable, renewable, and reflective of the evolving aspirations of the people.
Speaking further, he noted that the group “finds it necessary to address attempts by certain quarters to misrepresent this stance as being reactionary or tied to recent developments.”
He stressed the need for Surulere Constituency 1 to present individuals with fresh energy and new ideas.
The PRO also called for a renewed commitment to people-centered representation.
“As stakeholders, the forum affirms its commitment to upholding democratic values, promoting inclusive participation in leadership and ensuring that the voice of the people remains a priority.
“The group further calls on well-meaning residents and supporters of democracy to stand firm in ensuring that Surulere is taken to greater heights.
“By putting forward a candidate with fresh ideas and the ambition to take Surulere to greater heights,” he added.
It would be recalled that scores of residents of Surulere and other APC stakeholders on Tuesday similarly embarked on a mass rally calling on party leaders to make Elliot the party’s consensus candidate, citing his impactful representation.
