A fresh crack appears to have emerged in the political camp of Lagos lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, after the Director-General of his campaign organisation, Bless Koye, publicly withdrew support for his re-election bid just days ahead of the All Progressives Congress primary for the Surulere Constituency I seat.
Koye, in a viral video circulating online, announced his decision to leave what he described as the “Desmond group” and align with the camp of Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, another APC aspirant contesting for the seat.
“I’ll decamp from Desmond group to Barakat group,” Koye said in the video.
The declaration has sparked political interest in Surulere Constituency I, where Elliot currently represents the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot, who first secured the seat in 2015 under the APC platform, is seeking another term in office. However, the public withdrawal of support from a key campaign figure has raised questions about the strength of his political structure ahead of the party’s primary contest.
During her official declaration to contest for the seat, Odunuga-Bakare disclosed that several aspirants had stepped down to support her ambition, with Elliot standing as the notable exception.
“The others stepped down and are supporting me and they’re all here, but the only person that didn’t step down and insisted on going to the primaries is Hon. Desmond Elliot. I wish him all the best, and I wish myself luck too.
“I’m praying that on Wednesday, I emerge as the APC candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency I,” she said while addressing journalists in a viral video.
Watch the video below;
Her remarks come amid growing political tension surrounding Elliot’s continued bid for the party’s ticket.
The lawmaker recently made headlines after alleging that his security details were withdrawn ahead of the APC primary election.
The development also follows earlier reports of political tensions involving Elliot and senior party figures, including comments made by Femi Gbajabiamila, which later prompted public clarification and apology from the lawmaker.
As the APC primaries draw closer, political attention remains fixed on Surulere Constituency I, where the battle for the party’s ticket appears to be intensifying.
What You Should Know
The defection of Desmond Elliot’s campaign Director-General is politically significant because it signals possible cracks within his support structure ahead of a crucial APC primary.
In Nigerian party politics, endorsements and defections often shape delegate perception, especially at the constituency level where internal alliances matter greatly. Elliot has faced increasing political pressure in recent months, and this latest development could strengthen Barakat Odunuga-Bakare’s momentum.
The Surulere Constituency I contest is now emerging as one of Lagos APC’s most closely watched internal battles. The outcome could determine whether Elliot retains his political relevance within Lagos politics or faces a major electoral setback.
