2027: Surulere Forum Kicks Against Desmond Elliot’s Fourth-Term Ambition
As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of stakeholders in Surulere has openly opposed the reported move by Desmond Elliot to seek a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group, operating under the banner of the Surulere Accountability Forum, declared that the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I had not demonstrated sufficient impact over his three previous terms to justify another mandate.
The statement, signed by the forum’s spokesperson, Olanrewaju Badmus, said a broad cross-section of the constituency including community leaders, youth organisations, small-business operators and civil society actors had reviewed Elliot’s performance and concluded that it fell short of expectations.
According to the group, the constituency has witnessed limited legislative innovation and insufficient constituency projects, with little evidence of proactive efforts to address pressing local concerns.
“We are not driven by personal sentiments or political bias,” the statement read. “However, leadership must be accountable and responsive. Three terms in office should translate into visible and measurable progress. Unfortunately, Surulere has experienced stagnation rather than transformation.”
The forum further argued that challenges such as deteriorating infrastructure, youth unemployment and gaps in primary healthcare services require dynamic representation anchored on fresh ideas and renewed energy.
It also dismissed suggestions that its position was reactionary or influenced by recent political developments, insisting that its stance was rooted in long-standing concerns about representation and performance.
“Leadership is not a lifetime entitlement. It must remain renewable and reflective of the aspirations of the people,” the statement added, urging residents and party stakeholders to prioritise competence and innovation in the selection of candidates for 2027.
The development comes a day after a separate group of residents and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) staged a rally in support of Elliot, calling on party leaders to adopt him as a consensus candidate based on what they described as his impactful representation.
With differing voices emerging within the constituency, Surulere’s political landscape appears set for an intense contest as 2027 approaches.
