By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency 1, has opened up on the controversy surrounding the alleged plot to impeach former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, saying lawmakers were confused and believed the move had the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on the issue, Elliot also addressed allegations linking the matter to Femi Gbajabiamila, insisting that his name was being unfairly dragged into the controversy.
According to Elliot, he maintained communication with Gbajabiamila during the period but denied claims that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives directed him to shape public opinion against Obasa.
“I spoke with him during that period. He is my leader and he will always remain my leader,” Elliot said.
“He never at any point asked me to make any public statement or opinion. We discussed at that period and whatever he told me, I relayed to the House.”
The lawmaker explained that he was outside Nigeria when the political tension over Obasa’s removal escalated, revealing that he had travelled to South Africa with his wife during the Assembly’s recess for a family wedding.
“I was not in the country at the time. My wife and I travelled in January 2025 during the recess to attend my in-law’s wedding,” he stated.
Elliot further disclosed that upon his return, he discovered that many lawmakers had already signed the document seeking Obasa’s removal. He admitted that he eventually appended his signature because he believed the move had the endorsement of President Tinubu.
“I was as confused as every other person. By the time I came back, almost everybody had signed and I honestly thought it was coming from the President, so I also signed,” he said.
