The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 Constituency seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as contrasting narratives emerged from key political figures over the conduct of the exercise.

While the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the process as peaceful and credible, incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot abruptly withdrew from the contest, alleging intimidation and exclusion of his supporters.

The primary, held across wards in Surulere 1 Constituency, quickly became a flashpoint in what observers describe as growing internal tensions within the APC’s Lagos political structure.

Gbajabiamila, who cast his vote at Ward G2 (Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5) in Alaka Housing Estate, commended the conduct of the exercise, describing it as peaceful and well-organised.

“I am always very happy when I see peaceful, fair, credible, orderly elections, and that is exactly what I have seen today,” he said. “The turnout has been very impressive… the election has been free and transparent.”

He added that feedback from across polling units indicated a generally smooth process, insisting there were no widespread disruptions.

In a stark contrast, Elliot announced his withdrawal from the race midway through the process in a live video broadcast, alleging that his supporters were being prevented from accessing voting areas.

“My name is Desmond Elliot, and in all zones, they have been intimidating and stopping us,” he said. “I am officially announcing my withdrawal from this particular race.”

The Surulere 1 representative, who has served since 2015, said the alleged obstruction of his supporters made the contest untenable.

His withdrawal came just a day after he publicly dismissed speculation that party leaders were pushing him out of the race, insisting on a televised interview that he remained confident in grassroots support.

The developments underscore rising internal friction within the APC in Surulere, a politically strategic area long associated with Gbajabiamila’s influence.

With Elliot’s exit, attention now shifts to remaining contenders, though questions persist over the credibility of the process following his allegations.

As of Wednesday evening, the All Progressives Congress Lagos State leadership had yet to issue an official response to the withdrawal or the claims of intimidation.