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 development is seen as a major twist in the ongoing APC primary contest in Surulere Constituency I, where both aspirants have been battling for the party’s ticket ahead of the next House of Assembly election.
Supporters of Barakat described the result as a reflection of the will of party members at the grassroots level, while some loyalists of Elliot expressed disappointment over the outcome.
Security operatives remained stationed around the venue to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order during and after the exercise.
Party officials are expected to collate results from other wards before the final outcome of the primary election is officially announced.