Desmond Elliot cries out over ‘intimidation’ as Lagos APC primary ends in defeat

Popular Nollywood actor and Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I amid allegations of intimidation and voter suppression during the exercise.

The three-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly was seeking a fourth consecutive term but suffered a major political setback after a tense and controversial primary election held on Wednesday in Surulere, Lagos.

The development has sparked fresh conversations about internal democracy within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as aggrieved party members continue to raise concerns over alleged manipulation and exclusion during the primaries.

Tension Rocks Surulere APC Primary Election

The APC primary election in Surulere turned chaotic after supporters of Desmond Elliot claimed many party members loyal to the lawmaker were denied access to the voting venue.

According to reports, Elliot arrived at the Paddington Mini Stadium alongside his supporters and political associates, only to discover that several of his loyalists were allegedly barred from participating in the exercise.

The lawmaker reportedly appealed repeatedly to electoral officers and party officials to allow his supporters into the venue, but his requests were ignored.

The situation later triggered a peaceful protest by some supporters, who accused party officials of orchestrating a process designed to undermine Elliot’s re-election bid.

Speaking after the incident, Elliot said he decided to leave the venue in order to prevent violence and maintain peace.

He stressed that no political ambition was worth the loss of human lives.

Desmond Elliot Alleges Intimidation and Suppression

The embattled lawmaker alleged that there were deliberate attempts to intimidate and suppress his supporters throughout the primary process.

Members of his media team also accused certain political actors within the APC of manipulating the process against the incumbent legislator.

According to them, journalists and party observers were invited ahead of the exercise because there were already fears that the primary election would not be transparent or credible.

The team claimed incidents of harassment and intimidation were documented at different voting centres across Surulere.

“We already knew that it was not going to be a free and fair primary,” a member of Elliot’s media team reportedly said while reacting to the controversy surrounding the exercise.

As tensions escalated, the election was reportedly disrupted in parts of the constituency before the final outcome emerged.

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Internal APC Crisis Deepens in Lagos

Political observers believe Elliot’s defeat reflects deeper cracks within the Lagos APC structure, particularly in Surulere where the lawmaker has reportedly been facing resistance from former allies and influential party stakeholders.

Reports indicate that some party leaders had pressured Elliot to step down for another aspirant, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, but the actor-turned-politician refused to withdraw from the race.

The strained relationship between Elliot and some APC stakeholders reportedly worsened in recent months, setting the stage for a fierce political battle ahead of the primaries.

His eventual defeat is now being interpreted as a major shift in Surulere’s political dynamics and a sign of growing internal realignments within the ruling party.

The APC leadership in Lagos had not officially responded to the allegations of intimidation and voter suppression as of the time this report was filed.

Political Future of Desmond Elliot Under Spotlight

Desmond Elliot’s loss has now raised questions about his political future and influence within Lagos politics.

The lawmaker first gained national political attention after winning a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 under the APC platform.

Over the years, he became one of the most recognisable entertainers in Nigerian politics, representing Surulere Constituency I for three consecutive terms.

However, his political career has also attracted criticism and controversy, especially following public backlash over some of his comments during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.

Despite the setback, political analysts believe Elliot may still remain influential within the Lagos APC structure depending on how the party manages the fallout from the controversial primary election.

APC Primaries Continue to Generate Controversy Nationwide

The controversy surrounding Desmond Elliot’s defeat adds to growing concerns over the conduct of APC primaries across several states in Nigeria.

In recent days, multiple aspirants in different states have alleged candidate imposition, manipulation and intimidation during party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The situation has intensified debates over internal democracy within the ruling party as stakeholders call for transparent and credible electoral processes.

With tensions already rising ahead of the general elections, political analysts warn that unresolved grievances from the primaries could trigger deeper divisions within the APC.

FAQ

Why did Desmond Elliot lose the APC primary election?

Desmond Elliot reportedly lost the APC primary election in Surulere Constituency I after a tense contest marked by internal party disagreements, political rivalry and allegations of intimidation during the voting process.

What allegations did Desmond Elliot make during the APC primary?

Desmond Elliot alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the voting venue. He also claimed there were acts of intimidation and suppression targeted at his political camp during the election.

Where was the APC primary election held?

The APC primary election involving Desmond Elliot was held at the Paddington Mini Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State.

Who is Desmond Elliot?

is a Nigerian actor, filmmaker and politician who has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.

Was the APC primary election completed successfully?

Reports indicate that tensions disrupted parts of the exercise, with allegations of harassment and exclusion raised by supporters of Desmond Elliot. However, the primary eventually produced a winner.

Who reportedly benefited from Desmond Elliot’s defeat?

Reports suggest that Barakat Odunuga-Bakare emerged stronger politically following the APC primary contest after several party stakeholders backed her candidacy.

Did APC respond to the allegations?

As of the time the reports were published, the Lagos APC leadership had not officially responded to the allegations of intimidation and voter suppression.

Is Desmond Elliot contesting another election?

There has been no official announcement regarding another political contest by Desmond Elliot following his defeat in the APC primary election.

Why is the APC primary generating controversy?

The APC primaries have generated controversy in several states due to allegations of candidate imposition, intimidation, exclusion of supporters and lack of transparency.

What does Desmond Elliot’s defeat mean for Lagos politics?

Political analysts say the defeat could signal changing political alliances and shifting power dynamics within the Lagos APC, especially in Surulere.