Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has explained the reasons behind his motive to contest for the fourth time as a member representing Surulere constituency 1 in the state assembly.

Elliot, while campaigning to his constituents on Friday, highlighted his interest in becoming a principal officer in the assembly as the key reason.

In a video that went viral on X, he also urged his supporters to be wary of intimidation coming from the other camps.

Before the campaign, there had been indications that All Progressives Congress stakeholders, including supporters of Gbajabiamila, are throwing their weight behind a former aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, one Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, to contest against Elliot in the party primary for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.

Reacting, he said, “The question is, ‘what am I looking for in the fourth term that I am being intimidated to step down’. Don’t accept it, you have invested so much in me. There is a high chance that I will become a principal officer.

“On the 21st of May (primary election), stand your ground, come out in your large numbers to vote for me, and I will emerge victorious.”

The three-time lawmaker further quoted Psalm 121 while emphasizing his confidence in God to help him fight the internal battle, saying, “One with God is the majority.”

The Nollywood star earlier today publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, his supposed political mentor and the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, saying he may have offended him in the course of his political engagements.

He made the apology during an appearance on TVC’s Your View on Friday, where he said any misunderstanding was unintentional and insisted he remained committed to party unity and development in his constituency.

His apology comes amid previous political tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, during which Gbajabiamila had revealed that he nearly lost his position at the Presidency due to allegations tied to Elliot’s political activities.

Gbajabiamila had said President Bola Tinubu confronted him over intelligence reports suggesting Elliot’s involvement in moves around the Assembly speakership tussle, a claim he denied at the time.

Speaking on the programme, Elliot said he grew into politics under the guidance of a senior colleague he described as his “egbon”, adding that emotions and misunderstandings may have contributed to past friction.

“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” he said.

He added that human error could not be ruled out in political relationships.

Owerri, Imo State — Hon. Success Opara has formally called on stakeholders and residents of Owerri Senatorial Zone to rally behind her senatorial ambition, positioning herself as the candidate best placed to represent the zone’s interests at the National Assembly.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with party faithful and community leaders in Owerri, Opara said her bid, under the banner “Ada Owere,” is driven by the need for stronger representation and practical development for the zone’s nine local government areas.

“Owerri Zone has the numbers, the intellect, and the resources to lead Imo State,” Opara said. “What we need now is a voice that will carry our concerns to Abuja and ensure that federal projects, appointments, and opportunities return home to our people.”

Ada Owere has   outlined her priorities to include youth empowerment, improved infrastructure, support for small businesses, and stronger advocacy for women and education. Opara also emphasized the importance of unity across Owerri Municipal, Owerri West, Owerri North, Mbaitoli, Ikeduru, Ngor Okpala, Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, and Ezinihitte Mbaise.

“Owerri Zone must speak with one voice in 2027,” Opara stated. “I am asking our leaders, our traditional rulers, our youth, and our market women to support this movement so we can bring real change.”

Party members at the meeting pledged to take the message back to their wards and mobilize support ahead of the party primaries and general election.

Opara’s call adds to the growing political activity in Imo East Senatorial Zone as aspirants begin early consultations across the zone’s 1,244 polling units.

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.