Popular actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has rejected the outcome of the All Progressives Congress primary election for Surulere Constituency I in Lagos State, insisting that he will challenge the exercise through the party’s internal appeal process.
Elliot lost the APC ticket for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly after Barakat Odunuga-Bakare emerged victorious in Wednesday’s primary election.
Odunuga-Bakare, who is reportedly backed by Femi Gbajabiamila, secured 11,385 votes, while Elliot polled 270 votes.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Elliot expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primary, saying he could not accept the process as credible.
According to him, the APC had provided aggrieved aspirants an avenue for appeal, which he intends to utilise.
The lawmaker maintained that politics should not be approached as a violent contest, stressing that his goal has always been to serve the people of Surulere.
Elliot also alleged that intimidation and violence affected the exercise, claiming several of his supporters were injured during the primary election.
Although he confirmed that no deaths were recorded, he said some individuals were seriously hurt and required medical attention.
He further accused certain groups of intimidating voters in different wards, adding that he had repeatedly raised concerns about such actions before the election.
The lawmaker questioned why many of his supporters were allegedly prevented from entering the voting venue.
According to him, he discovered on arrival that most of those backing him were still outside the premises and unable to participate in the exercise.
Elliot also criticised the decision to reportedly end the voting process within 20 minutes, arguing that the timeframe was too short for a proper exercise.
Reacting to allegations that some membership cards presented by his supporters were fake, the legislator insisted that the only legitimate way to determine authenticity was through the official verification process.
He argued that party members should have been allowed to undergo screening before any conclusion was reached about the validity of their cards.
Elliot denied rumours suggesting he withdrew from the race, clarifying that he merely instructed his agents and supporters to stop participating because of the alleged irregularities.
According to him, only the party leadership has the authority to ask him to step down from a contest.
Despite his grievances, Elliot reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and pledged continued commitment to the people of Surulere Constituency I.
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