On Wednesday, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, characterized the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election for Surulere Constituency I in Lagos State as a smooth, fair, and well-organized event.
This assessment was delivered just as Desmond Elliott, the sitting lawmaker for the constituency, pulled out of the primary race, blaming the development on the alleged intimidation of his followers.
Gbajabiamila shared his views with reporters after casting his vote during the primaries at Ward G2 (Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5), which is located within the Alaka Housing Estate in Surulere, Lagos.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed his satisfaction with how party loyalists behaved and the calm environment where the voting took place.
“You know, this is my ward, Ward G2, and I have been voting here in Ward G2 for as long as I have been in politics.
“And anytime I come to vote, whatever office or election it is, my reaction is always the same. When I see peaceful, fair, credible, orderly elections, I am always very happy.
“And that is exactly what I have seen today,” he said.
Gbajabiamila also pointed out that voter turnout was quite high, especially for an internal party primary.
“The turnout, considering that we are talking about primaries here, has been very impressive. People have been peaceful and orderly.
“The election has been free and transparent, and I am happy to see that. So, I congratulate the people of Ward G2,” he said.
According to the presidential aide, updates coming in from other locations showed that the voting remained calm throughout the entire constituency.
“From what I am hearing, the feedback I am getting, it is the same across the board,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Elliott pulled out of the race at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, which served as the venue for the party’s primary election.
The popular actor-turned-politician explained that he repeatedly asked the electoral officials to let his followers into the voting area, but his appeals were completely brushed aside.
“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.
He further insisted that a large number of his loyalists were blocked from coming inside the venue, despite his multiple requests to the officials on the ground.
“They’ve not been allowed,” Elliott stated shortly before announcing his withdrawal from the contest.
Following his exit, Elliott’s supporters held a calm demonstration and walked away from the stadium with him.
Surulere Constituency I turned out to be a major hotspot during Wednesday’s APC primary elections.
In this race, Mrs. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, a female aspirant enjoying the backing of the party leadership and Gbajabiamila, is challenging Elliott for the APC ticket.
Elliott, a third-term incumbent, is trying to secure a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
This political showdown comes after weeks of growing tension between the Chief of Staff and Elliott.
