Desmond Elliott, member representing Surulere constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, says he was out of Nigeria when the impeachment process against Mudashiru Obasa began.
Elliott spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday.
Earlier, Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, said he nearly lost his job over Elliott’s alleged role in the impeachment saga involving Obasa.
Reacting to the claim, Elliott said he was in South Africa with his wife during the period the impeachment move started.
“I would like to state categorically that I wasn’t in the country,” he said.
“My wife and I travelled during the period of January 13, 2025.”
According to him, the trip was for his wife’s younger sister’s wedding.
Elliott said he was shocked when news of the impeachment reached him.
“It came to me as a shock because I was in South Africa then,” he said.
“So obviously it took me about two days to come back.”
The lawmaker added that many members of the assembly initially believed the impeachment move had the backing of the presidency.
“We thought it was from the presidency,” he said.
“And of course, I appended my own signature.”
According to him, President Tinubu later clarified that he did not authorise the removal of Obasa and directed lawmakers to reverse the action.
“Mr President called us and made us understand that it was not from him and asked us to return the speaker, and we did,” he added.
Elliott said he was surprised by Gbajabiamila’s comments, given their long-standing political relationship.
“My leader coming to say this, one who I have served and who has also been there for me for this long, came to me as a shock,” he said.
INTIMIDATION
On Sunday, the actor-turned-lawmaker released a viral video alleging intimidation, arm-twisting, and withdrawal of his security aides ahead of the APC primary election scheduled for Wednesday.
Reports also indicate that Elliott has fallen out with Gbajabiamila, who is reportedly backing Barakat Bakare for the assembly seat.
