Lagos State lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging intimidation and harassment of his supporters during the exercise.
Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue, where the APC primary election was being conducted.
Addressing party members and supporters at the venue, the lawmaker claimed that his supporters were allegedly being prevented from accessing the polling area despite several 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,” Elliot said.
According to him, many of his loyalists who came out to participate in the primary election were denied entry into the venue.
“They’ve not been allowed,” he added shortly before formally stepping down from the contest.
Following his announcement, supporters of the lawmaker staged a peaceful protest before gradually leaving the venue alongside him.
“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” Elliot told party members as he exited the primary ground.
The actor-turned-politician further explained that his decision was aimed at preventing any possible breakdown of law and order, insisting that no political contest should lead to violence or loss of lives.
He also urged the leadership of the APC to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the conduct of the party’s primary elections across Lagos State.
Elliot, who has represented Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly for years, remains one of the prominent political figures within the constituency.
