Lagos APC primaries: Desmond Elliot withdraws, alleges intimidation

.As Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Ikeja, Agege, others peaceful

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The incumbent lawmaker, representing Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the constituency in the House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters.

Elliot who was seeking fourth term, announced his withdrawal on Wednesday at the Paddington mini stadium in Western Avenue, where the party’s primary was being conducted.

The Nollywood star cum politician said the decision became expedient as several appeals to the electoral officers to grant his supporters access to the polling venue were not granted.

“And of course, in all zones, they’ve been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race. This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside,” he said.

Desmond also alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the polling venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.

“They’ve not been allowed,” Elliot stated shortly before announcing his withdrawal from the contest.

Meanwhile, APC on Wednesday , successfully conducted its House of Assembly primaries across the metropolis ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Olaitan Folorunsho, alias Olawestern, returned as candidate for the Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 2027 polls.

Also, in most of the areas monitored, which largely recorded peaceful conducts, include: Ikeja, Agege, Lagos Mainland, among others.

Folorunsho, emerging as the consensus candidate for Amuwo-Odofin, defeated three other rivals by wide margin of votes to cling the slot in the race for Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027 poll.

The emergence of Folorunsho has continued to attract commendation from party leaders, stakeholders and supporters within Amuwo-Odofin, describing the victory as a major boost for the party ahead of the polls.

Folorunsho, urged party members and residents to remain united and mobilize support for all APC candidates ahead of the January 2027 elections.

“We must continue to support the right candidates who have the experience and capacity to move the constituency forward. Hon. Seyi Lawal has shown commitment to the people and the growth of the APC,” Folorunsho stated.

He expressed appreciation to party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.

“I am indeed honored by the massive turnout, show of love and support received during this peaceful , hitch free primary process.

“My mission at the Lagos State House of Assembly is to prioritize grassroots development, empowerment initiatives and projects that would further improve the welfare of the people.”

Folorunsho hailed President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and infrastructural achievements, which has impacted positively in the nation ‘s economy through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

At one of the wards where elections took place, the Ward C, Olulade Omoniyi, scored 22 votes, K.O Ogunbadejo scored 25 votes, Eniola Adeshina scored 39 votes, while
Olawestern scored 851 to emerge top.

Seyi Lawal, also emerged as the consensus candidate for Ikeja Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly race.
Speaking shortly after the primary election, the Vice Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Samsondeen Oloyede, expressed confidence in the ability of Lawal to deliver quality representation at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Oloyede described Lawal’s emergence as a “second chance” for greater representation and development in Ikeja Constituency I, while expressing optimism about his anticipated return to the Lagos Assembly.

The post Lagos APC primaries: Desmond Elliot withdraws, alleges intimidation appeared first on Vanguard News.