The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I in Lagos State has been described as peaceful, transparent, and orderly by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President. The election, held on Wednesday at Ward G2, Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5, within the Alaka Housing Estate area of Surulere, saw active participation and calm conduct from party members. Gbajabiamila, who cast his vote at the polling unit, expressed satisfaction with the process, highlighting the peaceful and credible nature of the exercise. He noted that such conduct reflects positively on the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized that Ward G2 has been his voting ward for as long as he has been in politics. He said his consistent experience with elections in the area has always been marked by fairness and order. “When I see peaceful, fair, credible, orderly elections, I am always very happy,” he stated. “And that is exactly what I have seen today.” He commended the APC members for their discipline and cooperation during the primary, which he described as free and transparent.
Despite being a party primary, Gbajabiamila noted that voter turnout was impressive. He praised the level of participation, saying it was commendable given the nature of the election. He also shared feedback from other parts of the constituency, indicating that the peaceful atmosphere was consistent across all polling units. “From what I am hearing, the feedback I am getting, it is the same across the board,” he added, reinforcing the overall positive assessment of the election.
Meanwhile, incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliott, who represents Surulere Constituency I, announced his withdrawal from the race at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue. Elliott, an actor-turned-politician, alleged that his supporters were systematically denied access to the venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials. He claimed that intimidation and obstruction were widespread across all zones of the constituency. “They’ve been intimidating and stopping us,” he said. “I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race. This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside.”
Elliott maintained that the exclusion of his supporters from the process was a decisive factor in his decision to step down. “They’ve not been allowed,” he stated shortly before formally withdrawing. Following his announcement, some of his supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him. The incident has drawn attention to concerns about inclusivity and fairness in party primaries, even as Gbajabiamila’s assessment highlights the overall calm conduct of the election.
This primary serves as a critical moment for the APC in Lagos State, with implications for the upcoming general elections. The outcome will shape the party’s representation in Surulere and could influence voter sentiment in the region.
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