Actor turned lawmaker Desmond Elliot failed to secure the All Progressives Congress ticket for a fourth term in the Surulere Constituency I seat of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare defeated him in the party primary held on May 20, 2026.
Desmond Elliot, who has represented the constituency since 2015, faced strong opposition from the candidate backed by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. Party sources said Gbajabiamila endorsed Odunuga Bakare to bring fresh representation to the area.
Tension rose at the Paddington Mini Stadium venue. Desmond Elliot announced his withdrawal from the race. He cited intimidation of his supporters and restrictions at polling units.
“Hi, my name is Desmond Elliot and of course in all zones they’ve been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race,” he stated in a video circulated on the day.
However, reports indicated that the primary continued. Barakat Odunuga Bakare, a former Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Governor, recorded a landslide victory.
The contest highlighted a rift between Desmond Elliot and his long-time political benefactor, Femi Gbajabiamila. Elliot had earlier refused to step down despite pressure from party leaders. He expressed loyalty to the APC but insisted on testing his popularity.
Barakat Odunuga Bakare welcomed the outcome. She noted that other aspirants had stepped down to support her, while only Elliot continued in the race.
Desmond Elliot later clarified that he had not fully stepped down and said his team would challenge the process. He urged his supporters to leave the venue to avoid violence.
The development signals a shift in Surulere politics as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections. Party officials described the primary as a step toward renewal in the constituency.
