Gbajabiamila Praises APC Primary in Surulere as Desmond Elliott Withdraws

Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila has described the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election in Surulere Constituency I of Lagos State as peaceful, credible and orderly.

His remarks came amid dramatic developments in the exercise following the withdrawal of the constituency’s incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, who alleged intimidation and exclusion of his supporters from the voting venue.

Gbajabiamila spoke with journalists on Wednesday after participating in the primary election held at Ward G2, Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5, located within Alaka Housing Estate in Surulere.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria said he was satisfied with the conduct of party members and the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the process.

“You know, this is my ward, Ward G2, and I have been voting here for as long as I have been in politics,” Gbajabiamila said.

He added that he was always pleased whenever elections were conducted peacefully and transparently.

“When I see peaceful, fair, credible, orderly elections, I am always very happy. And that is exactly what I have seen today,” he stated.

The presidential aide also commended the turnout of party members, noting that participation was impressive despite the fact that the exercise involved internal party primaries rather than a general election.

“The election has been free and transparent, and I am happy to see that,” he added.

According to Gbajabiamila, reports reaching him from other wards across the constituency suggested that the exercise remained largely peaceful throughout Surulere.

However, the process took a controversial turn when Desmond Elliot announced his withdrawal from the contest during the primary held at Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue.

The actor-turned-politician claimed his supporters were denied access to the voting venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.

Elliott said the situation made it impossible for him to continue participating in what he believed should have been a fair contest.

The development adds another chapter to the growing political tensions involving Elliot in recent months.

The lawmaker recently came under political pressure following revelations surrounding the attempted impeachment of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa earlier in 2025.

He had also publicly apologised to Gbajabiamila over past political disagreements linked to the Assembly leadership crisis.

Political observers say the Surulere primary reflects the increasingly intense internal battles within the Lagos APC ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as influential political blocs struggle for control of party structures and legislative seats.

Surulere remains one of Lagos’ politically strategic constituencies due to its long-standing connection to Gbajabiamila, who represented the area in the National Assembly for years before becoming Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Analysts believe the outcome of the primaries could influence broader political alignments within the Lagos APC as preparations intensify for the next general election cycle.