Politics

Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency I. Naija News reports that the lawmaker personally announced his withdrawal on Wednesday through a video circulating on social media. According to Elliot, intimidation targeted at him and his supporters forced his decision to step down from the contest. He alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the venue of the primary election, preventing them from casting votes in his favour. Elliot, who currently represents the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, had been contesting the APC ticket for the 2027 election against Barakat Odunuga. Howeve...

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday described the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election in Surulere Constituency I, Lagos State, as peaceful, fair and orderly. This came as the constituency’s incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliott, withdrew from the election, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters. Gbajabiamila spoke with journalists after participating in the primary election at Ward G2 (Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5), situated at Alaka Housing Estate, Surulere, Lagos. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was impressed by the conduct of party members and the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise. “You know, this is my ward, Ward G2, and I have been voting here in Ward G2 for as long as ...

The lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency, Desmond Elliott, has claimed his supporters were intimidated during the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s primary election. He has now called on the party leadership to ensure a free and fair process. Desmond, who arrived at the Paddington Mini Stadium with his entourage, alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the polling venue. He said he repeatedly appealed to the electoral officers to allow his supporters into the polling area, but his pleas were ignored. Following the development, his supporters staged a peaceful protest and gradually left the venue alongside the lawmaker. Desmond said he decided to leave the venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that he woul...

Tension and excitement filled the atmosphere in Surulere on Wednesday as popular Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, reportedly lost to Barrister Barakat Odunuga at Ward F3 during the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primary election. Party members and supporters gathered in large numbers at the Surulere Ward F3 voting centre as accreditation and voting continued across the constituency. According to party sources at the venue, Barrister Barakat secured victory in the ward after polling more votes than the incumbent lawmaker, dealing a significant setback to Elliot’s re-election bid. Eyewitnesses said Desmond Elliot left the voting centre quietly shortly after the ward result was announced, while supporters of Barakat celebrated the outcome. The devel...

A massive crowd gathered at Alaka Housing Estate, Ward G2, in Surulere Constituency I of Lagos State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) began the accreditation of members for its House of Assembly primary election. Party supporters and delegates from various wards across the constituency turned out in large numbers for the exercise. Among the aspirants contesting in the primary are the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Desmond Elliot, and Barakat Odunuga. Addressing party members at the venue, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Bamidele Yusuf, stated that the exercise was peaceful as delegate accreditation commenced ahead of voting. Yusuf dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging intimidation of party members, maintaining that the process...

A lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, has emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Esan South-East State Constituency for election into the Edo State House of Assembly in 2027. Giwa was declared winner of the primary elections after results were announced. Speaking shortly after the results were announced, Giwa said, “This is the end of today’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Esan South-East constituency of Edo State for election into the House of Assembly. “This is to let you know that I, Victor Giwa, from Ward 9, have been declared winner of the primary election.” Giwa had while declaring his bid for the Edo Assembly ticket assured of his commitment to do more for the people of the constituency. Giwa’s supporters highl...

Recent political events in Edo State, especially the APC Edo South Senatorial District primary election where Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama emerged victorious ahead of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Senator Neda Imasuen, may have been ignored in favour of highlighting the developmental achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. However, that has become difficult following attempts by supporters and allies of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to drag the governor into the controversy surrounding the outcome of the primary election through attacks on social media. It is important to acknowledge that Pastor Ize-Iyamu appealed to his supporters to avoid insulting the governor, stressing that Governor Okpebholo, as the number one citizen of Edo State, deserves respect and dignity. ...

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has dismissed speculation of a breakdown in his relationship with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila. Speaking during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Tuesday, Elliot insisted that he remains loyal to President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila despite reports of political disagreements. The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos assembly said democracy should not be run like a military regime where subordinates openly challenge authority. “We are in a democracy and not a military regime. The names of President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila are too big for me,” he stated. The lawmaker explained that he still regards Gbajabiamila as his political leader and father figure, stressing that t...

Popular socialite Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has addressed his recent defeat at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orlu East Imo state House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.  Initial reports indicated that Okechukwu secured only 14 votes, losing the ticket to the incumbent lawmaker, a result that triggered widespread mockery across social media platforms.  In a preliminary statement, Okechukwu claimed he withdrew from the race after learning it was not yet the turn of his local government area to produce a candidate. However, during a recent live broadcast with TikTok influencer Peller, the socialite offered a different perspective. He suggested political bias may have influenced the outco...

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed rumours suggesting he may settle for the vice-presidential position ahead of the next general election. Naija News reports that Amaechi made the clarification during an interview on Trust TV while addressing the contest for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress. The former Rivers State governor stated that he did not purchase the ADC presidential nomination form with the intention of later accepting a vice-presidential slot. According to him, if the party intends to adopt a consensus candidate, all aspirants must first meet and agree on the arrangement. Otherwise, the contest should proceed to the primary election stage. “Please stop that. I did not buy the ADC presidential form to become a Vi...