Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot has rejected the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I, saying he will challenge the result through the party’s appeal process.
Elliot lost the party ticket to return to the Lagos State House of Assembly after Barakat Odunuga-Bakare emerged winner of the contest. She reportedly polled 11,385 votes, while Elliot secured 270 votes in the exercise held on Wednesday.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Elliot said he was dissatisfied with how the primary was conducted and insisted that he would formally contest the outcome. He stressed that, despite the result, politics for him remains “not a do-or-die affair,” adding that his focus remains service to his constituents.
The lawmaker alleged that the exercise was marred by violence and intimidation, claiming that some of his supporters were injured during the process. He also said several supporters were allegedly denied access to the voting venue, which he believes affected the credibility of the exercise.
Elliot further questioned the conduct of the election, saying many of his supporters were kept outside while voting was ongoing. He also raised concerns over claims that some membership cards presented by his supporters were declared fake without proper verification or due process.
He maintained that he did not withdraw from the race but only asked his supporters and agents to step back due to the alleged irregularities. Elliot reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, adding that only the party leadership has the authority to ask him to step down, while insisting he remains committed to serving the people of Surulere.
Elijah Adeyemi
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