Tension erupted at the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Surulere, Lagos State, as supporters of Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliot, were reportedly denied access to the voting area during the party’s candidate selection process for the 2027 general elections.
The aggrieved supporters gathered outside the barricaded venue, protesting what they described as a deliberate attempt to exclude them from participating in the exercise. According to eyewitnesses, the supporters were prevented from undergoing accreditation and voting, sparking accusations that the lawmaker had been sidelined from the primary process.
The development caused unrest around the venue as chants and complaints filled the atmosphere, with supporters insisting that the process was unfair and manipulated against the Surulere lawmaker.
Reacting to the situation, Desmond Elliot allegedly raised concerns over intimidation and undue pressure from some party leaders, claiming that the atmosphere surrounding the primaries was not conducive for a free and fair contest.
Amid the controversy, Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the Lagos State House of Assembly APC primaries for Surulere Constituency 1.
His withdrawal is expected to reshape the political contest in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections, while raising fresh concerns over internal party democracy within the APC in Lagos State.
