Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila reveals near job loss as rift deepens with former protégé ahead of Lagos polls.
LAGOS — Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has criticized lawmaker Desmond Elliot sharply. He accused the actor-turned-politician of nearly costing him his position during last year’s impeachment crisis involving Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The dramatic revelation came as tensions simmered over Elliot’s bid for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Gbajabiamila, once a key backer of Elliot, voiced deep frustration over his role in the saga.
“I almost lost my job as chief of staff because of Desmond Elliot,” Gbajabiamila stated. He recalled how President Tinubu summoned him during the height of the Obasa impeachment drama and directly asked if Elliot was his associate, causing the trouble.
The confrontation unfolded after Obasa’s removal in January 2025. Lawmakers had cited alleged misconduct and financial issues. Elliot reportedly played a visible part in the push against the long-serving Speaker.
Gbajabiamila said he immediately reached out to Elliot and urged him to step back publicly. Yet the lawmaker failed to issue the requested clarification. This led to further accusations, including claims from the DSS Director General that Gbajabiamila supported the impeachment move.
The episode strained their once-close relationship. Gbajabiamila had previously backed Elliot’s political rise. Both men share roots in Surulere constituency politics.
Elliot has since denied any feud. He described Gbajabiamila as his leader and expressed loyalty. However, reports suggest Gbajabiamila’s camp now supports an alternative female aspirant for the Surulere seat.
Stakeholders in Surulere have also warned against imposing Elliot for a fourth term. They argue fresh leadership is needed in the constituency.
The Obasa impeachment ultimately collapsed. Courts later nullified the removal, allowing the Speaker to return. Yet the political scars remain visible across Lagos APC circles.
This public rebuke from such a powerful figure could complicate Elliot’s re-election ambitions. Party primaries loom, and loyalty remains a critical currency in Lagos politics.
Observers now watch closely to see whether the rift heals or widens further. The outcome may reshape power dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos State.
