Lagos, Nigeria — Actor-turned-politician and incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has rejected the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I, alleging intimidation and restricted access for his supporters during the exercise.
The primary, held on May 20 at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue in Lagos, saw his main rival, Hon. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, declared winner.
Elliot, who has represented the constituency since 2015, described the process as unfair, claiming that many of his supporters were denied entry into the venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.
“The process was not fair. My supporters were not allowed access, and there was clear intimidation,” he said while addressing party members shortly before announcing his withdrawal from the race.
He further alleged that acts of intimidation occurred at the venue, noting that the situation undermined the credibility of the primary election.
Videos circulating online also showed some party members chanting as the lawmaker exited the venue, highlighting the tension that characterised the exercise.
Elliot had been seeking a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly after winning elections in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
The outcome of the primary has since generated reactions across political circles, raising concerns about internal party processes and electoral fairness within the APC in Lagos State.
Party officials are yet to issue a formal response to the allegations as attention shifts to the next phase of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections..
