A coalition of community leaders and civil society groups in Surulere has formally rejected the bid of Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency I.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Olanrewaju Badmus, said stakeholders reviewed Elliot’s performance over three terms and found it lacking in key areas.
“Community leaders, youth groups, small-business representatives, and civil society organizations have collectively assessed Elliot’s legislative record and found it lacking,” Badmus said.
He accused the lawmaker of limited policy innovation, weak legislative impact, and insufficient attention to pressing local challenges, including infrastructure decay, youth unemployment, and inadequate primary healthcare.
The group, known as the Surulere Accountability Forum, stressed that its position was not driven by personal bias but by a commitment to accountability and effective representation.
“Three terms should have produced clear, measurable progress. Instead, we have seen stagnation, recycled ideas, and limited policy leadership,” Badmus said.
The forum also cautioned against interpreting its stance as politically motivated, urging residents to consider candidates with fresh ideas and renewed energy ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Elliot continues to enjoy backing from some residents and stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress, who recently held a rally endorsing him as the party’s preferred candidate, citing his contributions to the constituency.
