Desmond Elliot Suffers Crushing Defeat as APC Primary Ends Lagos Assembly Comeback bid
Last update: May 20, 2026
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It’s the end of the road — at least for now — for actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot after he suffered a shocking defeat in the APC primary for Surulere Constituency I in Lagos.
According to cbinews.tv, incumbent Lagos lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has lost his bid to return to the Lagos State House of Assembly after being overwhelmingly defeated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on Wednesday.
Elliot was beaten by Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, who is believed to enjoy the backing of the Chief of Staff to the President.
The results from the exercise painted a brutal picture for the long time Surulere lawmaker. Odunuga-Bakare reportedly secured 11,385 votes across the constituency, while Elliot managed just 270 votes.
Several wards recorded massive margins in favour of Odunuga-Bakare. At Akinhanmi/Cole Ward, she polled 2,191 votes against Elliot’s 82. In Yaba/Ojuelegba Ward, Elliot could only secure three votes while she got 980.
Things got even worse at Gbaja Stadium Ward, where Elliot failed to record a single vote as Odunuga-Bakare picked up 523 votes.
Ironically, Elliot’s best performance came at Shitta/Ogunlana Ward, where he scored 270 votes against her 169.
At Owolewa Open Field, Off Randle Avenue, Odunuga-Bakare secured 1,956 votes while Elliot got just 10 votes. In Iponri/Eric Moore Ward, she polled 1,805 votes compared to Elliot’s six votes.
Despite the crushing loss, Elliot has refused to accept the outcome quietly.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the actor-politician insisted he did not withdraw from the race, contrary to reports making the rounds. He explained that he only pulled out his agents because of alleged intimidation, irregularities and violence during the primary.
“I’m a party person. This is my home,” Elliot said, while confirming that he and his team would challenge the process through the APC appeal mechanism.
He also alleged that several of his supporters were prevented from entering the venue for accreditation and verification.
According to him, there were reports of injuries during the exercise, although he expressed relief that no lives were lost.
Elliot further questioned why those allegedly controlling the party structure still resorted to intimidation despite already having influence within the system.
The lawmaker, who has represented Surulere Constituency I since 2015, says his camp is determined to continue contesting the outcome of the primary.
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