Femi Gbajabiamila Hails Peaceful Lagos APC Primaries as Desmond Elliot Alleges Intimidation

Femi Gbajabiamila has commended the conduct of the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election in Surulere Constituency I, Lagos State, describing the exercise as peaceful, orderly and transparent despite allegations of intimidation raised by incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliot.

Gbajabiamila made the remarks on Wednesday after participating in the party’s primary election at Ward G2, Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5, located within the Alaka Housing Estate in Surulere.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed satisfaction with the conduct of party members and the atmosphere surrounding the exercise, noting that the process reflected the democratic values of the party.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Gbajabiamila also praised the turnout recorded during the exercise, stating that participation was impressive for a party primary election. According to him, party members conducted themselves peacefully while the process remained transparent across the constituency.

“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,” he added.

The presidential aide further revealed that reports from other wards indicated that the exercise was generally peaceful across Surulere Constituency I.

However, the primary election was not without controversy as Elliott announced his withdrawal from the contest at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue, where the exercise was being held.

The actor-turned-politician alleged that several of his supporters were denied access to the polling venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials. He claimed his loyalists were intimidated and prevented from participating in the exercise, a development that ultimately influenced his decision to step down from the race.