Massive Crowd Storms Surulere As Desmond Elliot, Odunuga Cast Votes In Assembly Primary

The exercise drew party members from various wards across the constituency, creating a busy and highly attended political atmosphere.

Among the aspirants in the contest are the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Desmond Elliot, and Barakat Odunuga.

Speaking at the venue, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Bamidele Yusuf, said the process commenced peacefully with the registration and accreditation of delegates before voting.

Yusuf dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging intimidation of party members, insisting that the exercise was free, fair, and transparent.

He noted that the APC had already conducted its Senate and House of Representatives primaries before proceeding to the House of Assembly contest.

According to him, “Today is the House of Assembly election, which is the major election in Surulere because the House of Representatives and Senate primaries were unopposed.

“We mobilised for this election, and the whole place is peaceful. Since consensus was not reached, the party decided to conduct a primary election, and everybody is free to vote according to his or her conscience.

“Nobody is intimidated. Everybody is allowed to cast their votes freely. What is being circulated on social media is not true.

“Immediately after the election, whoever wins is our candidate, and we will all support the person.”

Also speaking, APC leader in Surulere, Agboola Dabiri, described the turnout as impressive, noting that professionals, traders, and artisans all participated in the exercise.

He said the contest between the incumbent and other aspirants would be decided strictly by party members through the primary process.

Dabiri added, “There will be a winner today, either the incumbent or the new aspirant. At the end of the day, everybody will work together for the progress of the party, regardless of the allegations circulating on social media.

“As you can see, a lot of people are here—teachers, doctors, engineers, market women, mechanics, and others who came out to vote.

“There is peace in Surulere, and our politics is not do-or-die. At the end of the day, there will be no problem.”

Security personnel were deployed at strategic points around the venue to maintain order, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.