Lagos-Calabar Highway encouraging defections – Desmond Elliot

A Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, says the gale of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is due to the present administration’s performances in various sectors, including the Lagos/Calabar coastal highway, adjudged to be the first of its kind in Africa.

Elliot said this in an interview withour correspondent after casting his vote at his designated polling unit 009, Onitolo Nursery/ Primary School, Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State on Saturday.

He commended Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in infrastructure development, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The APC candidate said the defections were a reflection of a shift in how Nigerians evaluate leadership, not by party loyalty but performance.

“When you see people defecting, it means they have seen something real. They know the man at the seat of power is not joking, and these are not just promises, many projects are ongoing and some are completed already, in addition to policies that are shaping the nation’s economy.

He said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a landmark initiative, was capable of transforming regional economies and strengthening national unity.

“The highway, which spans across key states along Nigeria’s southern corridor is expected to reduce travel times, stimulate trade, and improve inter-ethnic collaboration.

“Imagine being able to drive from Lagos to Akwa Ibom in five hours, not just for business, but for how people in the South-South and South-West see each other,” he said.

According to him, the highway is more than a transportation project. It is a symbol of a new approach to governance.

“By prioritising legacy infrastructure, the current administration is sending a message of inclusion, development, and long-term vision.

“It is not just a road. It’s a unifier, which tells southern states that we are connected, and we rise together,’’ he noted.

He also emphasised the project’s potential to open up real estate, attract investment, and ease pressure on overcrowded urban centres by linking smaller towns to major economic routes.

The lawmaker urged citizens to view ongoing infrastructure projects as national assets, not partisan achievements, and called for more trust in leadership that is visibly committed to development.

“The President is clearly thinking beyond today. He is not throwing money around. He is building lasting legacies,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that the Lagos State council poll is holding simultaneously in the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Our correspondent also reports that 15 out of 18 registered political parties are contesting in the council poll.