Public affairs analyst Dayo Akintobi has praised Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot for allegedly resisting attempts by party power brokers to edge him out of the political process ahead of the forthcoming elections.…....
Akintobi made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Monday, May 18, 2026, while discussing controversies surrounding the ongoing primaries within the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking during the newspaper review segment, Akintobi said he was surprised but impressed by Elliot’s decision to openly challenge what he described as attempts by the party structure to impose candidates rather than allow a transparent democratic contest. “Why I’m a bit surprised about Desmond Elliot. I’m actually quite happy that he’s standing up to the power structure. I like that,” Akintobi said.
The analyst, however, suggested that Elliot’s stance may not end favourably for him politically, despite commending the lawmaker for insisting on due process. “It’s not going to end well for him, but I like the fact that he’s standing up to the party. And say no we have to go through a democratic process,” he stated.
Akintobi argued that aspirants who meet constitutional and party requirements should be allowed to participate freely in the contest without being pressured to withdraw.
“You can’t, you shouldn’t have to impose somebody. I as an aspirant have a right to run. Anybody has the right to run as long as they qualify. And you shouldn’t try to squeeze or elbow somebody out unless he’s willing,” he said.
He further noted that political negotiations and consensus arrangements should only happen through proper engagement with those involved. “Perhaps you sat down and negotiated. He said nobody’s ever talked to him about him and remember is the incumbent so he has first right of refusal,” Akintobi added.
Despite defending Elliot’s right to contest, the analyst also expressed the view that the lawmaker may have spent sufficient time in office, having reportedly served three terms in the Lagos State House of Assembly. “Even though on another side I think he’s done three times, which is 12 years, so I think enough is enough,” he said.
Akintobi also referenced the political circumstances surrounding Elliot’s emergence years ago, suggesting that the same political system that brought him into office may now be attempting to remove him.
“Then also the way he came in considering the history of politics in Nigeria, the way he came in is where they’re trying to move him out. So he should just accept it and say my time is over and move on. I also like the fact that he’s fighting,” he stated.
