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The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Assembly primary election for Surulere Constituency I in Lagos State as peaceful, transparent and orderly.
His remarks came shortly after the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Desmond Elliott, announced his withdrawal from the contest over alleged intimidation of his supporters.
Gbajabiamila spoke with journalists on Wednesday after casting his vote during the primary election held at Ward G2, Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5, located within the Alaka Housing Estate area of Surulere.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise and commended party members for maintaining order throughout the process.
“You know, this is my ward, Ward G2, and I have been voting here in Ward G2 for as long as I have been in politics.
“And anytime I come to vote, whatever office or election it is, my reaction is always the same. When I see peaceful, fair, credible, orderly elections, I am always very happy.
“And that is exactly what I have seen today,” he said.
Gbajabiamila noted that participation in the exercise was impressive despite the fact that it was a party primary.
“The turnout, considering that we are talking about primaries here, has been very impressive. People have been peaceful and orderly.
“The election has been free and transparent, and I am happy to see that. So, I congratulate the people of Ward G2,” he added.
According to him, feedback from other parts of the constituency also indicated that the exercise was proceeding peacefully.
“From what I am hearing, the feedback I am getting, it is the same across the board,” he said.
Meanwhile, Elliott announced his withdrawal from the race at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue, where the APC primary election was being conducted.
The actor-turned-politician alleged that several of his supporters were denied access to the venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.
“And of course, in all zones, they’ve been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race. This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside,” he said.
Elliott maintained that his supporters were prevented from participating in the process, prompting his decision to step down from the contest.
“They’ve not been allowed,” he stated shortly before formally withdrawing from the race.
Following the announcement, some of his supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside the lawmaker.
English (US) ·