Politics

‘Bad Loser’: APC Chieftain Knocks Desmond Elliot Over Surulere Primary Withdrawal

Published

3 months ago

May 21, 2026

Desmond Elliot

‘Bad Loser’: APC Chieftain Knocks Desmond Elliot Over Surulere Primary Withdrawal

LAGOS — An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ayekooto Akindele, has dismissed claims by actor-turned-politician and Lagos lawmaker representing Surulere I, Desmond Elliot, that he withdrew from the party’s primary election, calling him a “bad loser” after the three-term incumbent suffered a humiliating defeat at the polls.

Politics Nigeria earlier reported that Elliot announced his withdrawal from the ongoing primary, alleging intimidation of his supporters at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue, Surulere. The three-term lawmaker, first elected on April 11, 2015, was seeking a fourth term in office prior to his withdrawal announcement. But Akindele, in a post on X, insisted that the Nollywood star participated in the election and was decisively defeated. He described Elliot’s claim as “ridiculous,” alleging that the lawmaker only addressed a press conference after realizing he had lost.

“After the counting and declaration of votes, and after suffering an excruciating defeat right in his very presence, Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot quickly organised a press conference, claiming that he had withdrawn from the race and alleging that his ‘supporters’ were not allowed to vote,” he wrote. He further added that the action was typical of “a bad loser and a desperate, overtly ambitious politician who never planned that he would retire one day.”

According to results announced after voting across the constituency wards, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the immediate past Lagos Special Adviser on Housing and reportedly backed by President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, emerged victorious in the contest. Official results showed that Odunuga-Bakare polled 11,385 votes to defeat Elliot, who secured only 270 votes. The wide margin of defeat lends weight to Akindele’s assertion that Elliot’s withdrawal announcement was an attempt to salvage dignity after a humiliating loss. The primary election took place amid reports that party stakeholders had pressured Elliot to withdraw from the race in favor of Odunuga-Bakare. However, the lawmaker refused to step down initially and continued with his re-election bid.

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Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday at the Paddington mini stadium along Western Avenue, where the APC primary was being conducted. He claimed several of his supporters were prevented from gaining access to the venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials. “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. They’ve not been allowed,” Elliot said. He maintained that those denied access were legitimate members of his political base in the constituency. According to him, attempts to secure entry for his supporters were ignored, while intimidation was allegedly recorded across different zones of the venue. “There were clear cases of intimidation across different polling units, and my supporters were denied access to accreditation let alone voting. This is not democracy,” Elliot alleged. Elliot explained that his decision to leave the venue was to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that no political ambition was worth the loss of lives. After his announcement, his supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him.

In a fresh twist that has drawn further criticism from political observers, Elliot later denied reports that he had withdrawn from the race. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he described the reports as “misleading” and clarified that he did not step down from the contest. According to the statement, the lawmaker’s remarks during the primary election were made in response to the alleged exclusion and intimidation of his supporters, many of whom were reportedly denied access to designated voting venues, particularly in Wards F2 and F3. The statement explained that Elliot’s decision to ask his agents and supporters to leave the voting environment was aimed at preventing violence and maintaining peace, rather than signaling a withdrawal from the contest. “The decision was one of statesmanship and restraint, not a concession, withdrawal, or surrender of his candidacy,” the statement said. Elliot maintained that he remains committed to the race and to democratic principles, adding that he still enjoys the support of party members across the constituency. The statement also urged party stakeholders and the public to disregard what it described as false narratives surrounding the incident.

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Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who also voted in the primary at his Ward G2 (Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5) in Surulere, described the exercise as peaceful, fair, and orderly. Speaking to newsmen after participating in the primary election, Gbajabiamila expressed happiness with the conduct of the primaries and commended party members for their conduct during the exercise. “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 also noted that the turnout for the primary election was impressive, adding that reports reaching him from other wards indicated that the exercise was peaceful across the constituency. “From what I am hearing, the feedback I am getting, it is the same across the board,” he said. His positive assessment of the exercise stands in stark contrast to Elliot’s allegations of intimidation and exclusion.

The controversy at the primary did not emerge suddenly. In the days leading up to the May 20 primary, Elliot had been raising the alarm about what he described as targeted political victimization. In a viral video circulated on Sunday, Elliot accused unnamed party leaders and local government officials of allegedly pressuring party members to support a preferred aspirant ahead of the House of Assembly primaries. “Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what exists today in Surulere,” Elliot said in the video. “Telling them that they will not be beneficiaries of some empowerment that is coming some other time. Please, this is not done and should not be done.” The lawmaker also alleged that some local government officials lost their positions because they supported him, while the local government leadership had openly backed another aspirant months before the primary election. In an even more striking claim, Elliot asserted that his security aides were withdrawn without explanation shortly before the primaries. “My security personnel were taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he queried. Despite these concerns, Elliot had maintained that he would accept the outcome of the primaries if the process was free and fair.

The controversy also comes days after Elliot publicly apologised to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his alleged involvement in the removal of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from office in January 2025. This political context suggests that the Surulere I primary was not merely a local contest but part of broader realignments within the Lagos APC, with Gbajabiamila’s political structure backing Odunuga-Bakare against the incumbent Elliot.

Adding to the chorus of voices against Elliot, a political pressure group within the constituency, the Surulere Accountability Front (SAF), accused Elliot of staging a theatrical exit to mask his lack of actual grassroots popularity. The group’s chairman, Olanrewaju Badmus, alleged that Elliot, anticipating an embarrassing defeat at the polls, had plotted to import non-residents into the six electoral wards to cause chaos and force an “inconclusive” outcome. “We will not negotiate our representation with someone who has shown desperation, greed, and a total lack of respect for the organized Tinubu political structure in Lagos,” Badmus asserted. “The primary was peaceful, and the best candidate won. Elliot simply saw the handwriting on the wall.”

Despite his denial of withdrawal, the primary election proceeded, and Odunuga-Bakare has since been declared the winner with 11,385 votes against Elliot’s 270. For all intents and purposes, the actor-turned-politician who has represented Surulere I since 2015 has lost his bid for a fourth term. Elliot has indicated that he would appeal the outcome of the election, though it remains unclear whether such an appeal would be successful given the wide margin of defeat and the apparent backing of the party leadership for his opponent. For the Lagos APC, the day’s events once again demonstrated that the party’s internal selectorate remains absolute. For Elliot, who traded the glamour of Nollywood for the gritty trenches of Lagos politics, the credits may have rolled unexpectedly on his legislative career — leaving behind a divided constituency and a sobering reminder of how unforgiving the Lagos political landscape can be.

‘Bad Loser’: APC Chieftain Knocks Desmond Elliot Over Surulere Primary Withdrawal

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2027: Peter Obi lost his chance when he left ADC for NDC – Fayose

Published

2 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose

2027: Peter Obi lost his chance when he left ADC for NDC – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said Peter Obi suffered a major political setback in his bid for the 2027 presidency after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Fayose made the comment during an interview on TVC News’ Politics Tonight, where he assessed the chances of the opposition parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to Fayose, the opposition had a stronger opportunity to mount a serious challenge against President Bola Tinubu when prominent opposition figures were united under the ADC.

He said Obi’s decision to leave the coalition weakened the opposition’s chances and effectively ended the former Anambra State governor’s advantage within the opposition camp.

“When they were all together in ADC, I would tell anybody that they will make an impact. The day Obi left ADC for NDC, that day Obi lost,” Fayose said.

Despite his criticism of Obi’s political decision, Fayose spoke positively about the former Anambra governor’s record and political profile.

He described Obi as “a fantastic Nigerian” who had made his mark and demonstrated that positive change was possible.

However, Fayose argued that personal popularity would not be enough to secure victory in a presidential election without a strong political structure and a united opposition.

“But when opposition, when they don’t come together, they will continue to lose,” he said.

Fayose’s comments come amid continuing political realignments ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, with major opposition figures pursuing different platforms after an earlier attempt to consolidate them under the ADC.

Obi’s departure from the ADC has been particularly significant because he had initially been viewed by some opposition figures as one of the coalition’s strongest potential presidential contenders. His subsequent move to the NDC has altered the opposition landscape and created separate political camps ahead of the election.

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In a July 2026 interview with Channels Television, Obi confirmed his status as the NDC presidential candidate for 2027 and defended his political strategy, saying his decision to contest was driven by his belief that he could fix Nigeria’s major challenges and unite the country. (Cockatoo)

Fayose, however, maintained that the fragmentation of the opposition has created an advantage for the APC.

He said the political process had advanced to a stage where it would be difficult for opposition politicians to reverse their decisions and return to a single platform.

“It’s too late now,” Fayose said. “INEC has accredited everybody. Even if you say you are not doing again, you’re on your own.”

“You have put your feet in the water. You can’t get out. You have gotten wet already,” he added.

Fayose also predicted that President Tinubu would perform strongly in the South-West during the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the President could secure close to four million votes in the region, based on the voting pattern recorded during the 2023 presidential election.

“In the West alone, Tinubu will get close to about four million votes,” Fayose said.

“When you look at the pattern of the last election, Tinubu will win this election close to about 65 per cent.”

The projection comes as political parties intensify their efforts to consolidate support across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Tinubu secured substantial support in parts of the South-West during the 2023 presidential election, although the region did not vote uniformly, with different candidates winning different states.

Fayose also commented on the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, rejecting claims that vote-buying was associated with only one political camp.

He said supporters of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord were all involved in alleged vote-buying activities observed during the election.

“It’s mere desperation. Mere desperation,” Fayose said.

He added that reports of arrests over alleged vote-buying involved people linked to different political camps.

“The two sides clearly, going by what we saw on the television on Saturday, police arrested the two sides sharing money. So don’t come and tell me they are saints both ways,” he said.

The former governor said the problem of electoral malpractice in Nigeria should not be reduced to accusations against one party because it was a broader challenge affecting the electoral system.

“We have a lot to put right,” Fayose said.

“It’s the system. It’s systemic. It is a problem that has to be addressed.”

His comments highlight the wider political battle expected ahead of the 2027 general election, as the APC seeks to retain the presidency while opposition parties attempt to build competitive structures capable of challenging Tinubu.

For Obi, the immediate challenge is to translate his personal political following into a strong nationwide structure under the NDC. His supporters will also have to demonstrate that his decision to pursue an independent opposition platform can overcome the disadvantages created by the fragmentation of the earlier ADC coalition.

Fayose’s assessment, however, remains a political prediction rather than an electoral outcome. The 2027 presidential election has not yet been held, and the eventual result will depend on the candidates, campaigns, party structures, voter turnout and the choices Nigerians make at the polls.

2027: Peter Obi lost his chance when he left ADC for NDC – Fayose

Politics

Sokoto APC suffers fresh setback as over 700 members reportedly defect to ADC

Published

7 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Sokoto APC suffers fresh setback as over 700 members reportedly defect to ADC

More than 700 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State have reportedly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing alleged neglect, poor representation and growing insecurity in their communities.

The reported APC defection involved members from Goronyo and Shinaka wards and comes as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defectors were led by Alhaji Aliyu Tunau Shinaka, a former APC secretary in Goronyo Local Government and two-time special adviser to the Sokoto State Government.

Others reported to have joined the ADC include former APC youth leader in the local government, Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Taloka; Alhaji Kabiru Malam Isah Mai’alewa; and prominent women leader and youth mobiliser Hajiya Shafa’atu S/Pawa Goronyo.

Speaking during the defection ceremony, Shinaka said the group decided to leave the APC after what he described as prolonged neglect of grassroots members and residents by the party leadership.

He alleged that party members who worked for the APC’s electoral success had not received adequate attention from the leadership and that concerns raised by residents had remained largely unaddressed.

Sokoto APC suffers fresh setback as over 700 members reportedly defect to ADC

Shinaka also criticised Muhammad Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works and a prominent APC figure from the area, accusing him of failing to provide the level of political leadership and development initiatives expected by residents.

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He particularly questioned the progress of federal road rehabilitation across Sokoto East Senatorial District, arguing that the minister’s position at the Federal Ministry of Works should result in greater attention to infrastructure challenges affecting communities in the region.

The allegations were made by the defectors and have not been independently verified. No response from the minister or the APC leadership in Goronyo was provided alongside the claims.

Another defector, Taloka, said the group joined the ADC because it wanted a political platform that would give greater priority to the welfare and security of residents.

He described the movement as a response to what he called the concerns of grassroots supporters who felt they were only remembered during election periods.

The defectors also expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Goronyo and neighbouring communities, alleging that banditry had disrupted farming, displaced residents and damaged local economic activities.

They claimed that more than 100 residents of Goronyo Local Government were being held by bandits in camps across parts of Sokoto East. The claim could not be independently verified.

According to the group, insecurity has made it difficult for many residents to access their farms, while some families have allegedly been displaced and others affected by the loss of relatives and livelihoods.

Shinaka said political leaders had a responsibility to remain connected to communities during periods of insecurity and provide support to victims and affected families.

The reported defection comes amid wider political realignments in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC has attracted politicians and supporters from established parties in different parts of the country as opposition figures seek to build a broader political coalition ahead of the next general election.

Sokoto has also recorded previous political movement towards the ADC. In April 2026, seven members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly reportedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC, including Nasiru Adamu, who represents Goronyo Constituency.

The latest reported movement could further strengthen the ADC’s grassroots structure in Goronyo if the defectors remain active within the party.

The APC, meanwhile, has also recorded political movements into its fold in the area. In November 2025, former PDP figures in Goronyo joined the APC and were received by Minister of State for Works Muhammad Bello Goronyo.

The contrasting movements reflect the increasingly fluid political landscape in Sokoto as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.

For the ADC, the reported entry of more than 700 APC members could provide additional grassroots strength in Goronyo. For the APC, the development could create a fresh challenge for its mobilisation efforts in an area regarded as an important political base.

The defectors said they were prepared to work for the expansion of the ADC and support what they described as a new political direction centred on security, peace, good governance and development.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, further defections and political realignments are expected across Sokoto State as the APC, ADC, PDP and other parties compete to strengthen their structures and attract influential politicians and grassroots supporters.

Sokoto APC suffers fresh setback as over 700 members reportedly defect to ADC

Politics

Osun Poll: Fayose Says Federal Might Could Have Swayed Result If Deployed

Published

8 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose

Osun Poll: Fayose Says Federal Might Could Have Swayed Result If Deployed

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that if the Federal Government genuinely intended to manipulate an election outcome by force, there would be little anyone could do to stop it. Fayose made this assertion while reflecting on the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, during an interview with TVC News, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke secured re-election under the Accord Party banner. The former governor, who said he remained in Osogbo throughout the election period, explained that he visited markets and communities across the state, including Ilesa, to gauge the mood of voters ahead of the poll, and his interactions with residents suggested the election would be closely contested, with the result capable of going either way.

When asked if he knew Adeleke would win, Fayose said the closeness of the contest meant either candidate could have emerged victorious, stating, “When you have an election that is 52, 48, it could go either way,” contrasting that with an election where one candidate holds a much wider lead of 30 to 70. He expressed concern about the violence and killings recorded around the election, describing them as unnecessary and deeply regrettable, noting that the Nigeria Police Force retained approximately 15,000 personnel deployed for the election and deployed anti-riot policemen and undercover operatives to strategic locations to prevent post-election violence, following at least 34 election-related violent incidents that resulted in 18 deaths recorded since May 2026.

On vote buying, Fayose stated that neither the APC nor the Accord Party could claim innocence, saying the two sides clearly engaged in the practice, and according to reports, vote trading topped the list of electoral offences with 103 cases recorded by observers, with police arresting individuals from both sides sharing money. Official results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that Governor Ademola Adeleke polled 511,067 votes (51.90 per cent) to defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes (45.17 per cent), with the margin of victory increasing from 28,344 votes in 2022 to 66,252 votes in 2026, and the wider margin, combined with intense competition, made manipulation more difficult, according to the Athena Election Observatory.

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Fayose broke down the winning margin, arguing that a significant portion of the difference came from Ede, the home base of the Adeleke family, where in Ede North, Adeleke polled 35,427 votes against Oyebamiji’s 10,283, while in Ede South, he secured 26,188 votes compared with the APC candidate’s 6,219, and Adeleke also won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas. He addressed claims that the Federal Government wanted to take over the election, saying, “I want to say to you, if the federal government wants to take an election, they will take it. If the federal government… the ones I know of the past, if they want to take an election, there’s nothing you can do,” a statement that echoed comments by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who said President Bola Tinubu could have secured victory for the APC in Osun if he wanted it “at all costs,” insisting that the result showed that no federal might was deployed in Osun and that the President allowed a free and fair process, with Fayose agreeing with Wike’s position, responding, “That, that exactly…”

Fayose congratulated Adeleke on his victory and urged him to reconcile with all stakeholders in the state, saying, “So let us commend the Adelekes for winning and remind them they need to be magnanimous in victory. The language now must be right. Reconciliation must be total. Not with the Accord alone, but with all other stakeholders because all of you are from Osun state.” His comments come as political stakeholders continue to analyse the outcome of the closely watched governorship election, which has significant implications for the political landscape in the South-West region and the build-up to the 2027 general elections.