Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has publicly apologised to his longtime political mentor and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, amid growing political tensions within Lagos APC circles.
The Lagos lawmaker made the emotional apology during an appearance on TVC’s Your View, where he acknowledged that political misunderstandings may have created friction between both men in recent months.
Elliot, who currently represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, described Gbajabiamila as a political elder brother and mentor who played a major role in shaping his political journey.
During the interview, he admitted that disagreements and emotional political moments may have strained their relationship.
According to him, his actions were never intended to undermine or disrespect the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The actor-politician openly appealed for forgiveness, stating that “to err is human, to forgive is divine,” while referring to Gbajabiamila as “my daddy.”
The apology comes months after internal political disagreements linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis reportedly created tension within influential APC blocs in Lagos politics.
Gbajabiamila had earlier disclosed that he nearly lost his position as Chief of Staff to the President over intelligence reports allegedly connecting Elliot to political activities surrounding the Assembly speakership crisis.
Although Elliot denied any disloyal intentions, the controversy reportedly deepened political suspicion within sections of the Lagos APC structure.
Political observers say the latest apology appears aimed at easing tensions and rebuilding alliances ahead of future political contests within the state.
The Surulere political structure itself has become increasingly competitive as various APC stakeholders reposition ahead of the next election cycle.
Elliot is currently seeking a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, a move he previously defended by arguing that seniority and ranking status could help him attract more development projects to his constituency.
However, his re-election ambition has reportedly faced resistance from some political stakeholders within Surulere.
Former Lagos State Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, has emerged as one of the prominent figures reportedly challenging Elliot’s continued dominance within the constituency.
Political analysts note that Lagos politics often operates heavily around mentorship networks, loyalty structures, and long-standing alliances.
Disagreements involving influential political figures can therefore carry broader implications beyond individual relationships.
Gbajabiamila remains one of the most powerful political figures within Lagos APC politics due to his longstanding influence, national profile, and strategic position within the presidency.
Any perceived political disagreement involving him naturally attracts significant attention within party circles.
Desmond Elliot’s journey from entertainment into politics has also made him one of Nigeria’s most recognisable celebrity politicians.
Since entering the Lagos Assembly in 2015 under the APC platform, he has remained both influential and controversial within public discourse.
The lawmaker has previously faced criticism during politically sensitive moments, including backlash linked to comments made during the 2020 EndSARS protests.
His political career has therefore often attracted strong reactions both online and within grassroots political discussions.
Observers believe the latest public apology may be part of broader reconciliation efforts within Lagos APC ahead of future internal primaries and political negotiations.
Political survival within major party structures frequently depends on maintaining strategic alliances and managing internal conflicts carefully.
Elliot also used the interview to defend his political record in Surulere, insisting that his performance and constituency projects remain visible to residents.
He maintained that despite controversies, he remains committed to strengthening the APC and supporting development within his constituency.
The situation additionally highlights the increasingly intense nature of internal political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Across several political parties nationwide, alliances, endorsements, and leadership loyalties are already becoming major factors shaping future ambitions.
Analysts say public apologies and reconciliation gestures are common within Nigerian politics, especially when influential political relationships become strained ahead of major electoral cycles.
Such moves are often aimed at restoring trust, reducing factional tension, and preserving access to powerful political networks.
For now, Elliot’s emotional appeal appears to signal an attempt to mend fences with one of Lagos APC’s most influential political figures while protecting his future within the party structure.
Whether the apology successfully rebuilds political trust remains uncertain, but it has already drawn widespread attention across both entertainment and political circles nationwide.