Lagos State lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation and exclusion of his supporters from the electoral process.
Elliot, who currently represents Surulere 1 constituency, made the announcement on Wednesday following rising tensions and controversies surrounding the APC primaries in the area.
In a video shared via his Instagram page, the lawmaker accused certain party leaders in Surulere of creating what he described as an atmosphere of intimidation and coercion against his supporters, preventing them from participating in the process.
“My name is Desmond Elliot, and in all zones they have been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race,” he said.
He further alleged that many of his loyal supporters were denied access to take part in the primary election across different parts of the constituency.
“This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside; they have not been allowed. So I am officially announcing my withdrawal from this race. Good luck, thank you, and God bless you,” he added.
Elliot’s withdrawal adds to the growing controversies surrounding the APC primaries, which have been marked in some areas by allegations of irregularities and internal party disputes.
The actor-turned-politician was first elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 and has since represented Surulere 1 under the APC platform.
Earlier, Elliot had stated during a television interview that he would not step down from the race, insisting that no party leader, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, had asked him to withdraw.
He maintained that his decision to contest was based on his commitment to his constituents, adding that party leadership had previously emphasized that the choice should rest with the people.
Desmond Elliot Withdraws from APC Surulere 1 Assembly Primary, Cites Intimidation
