Lagos lawmaker and actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere 1 House of Assembly seat, alleging intimidation and denial of access for his supporters.
Elliot announced his decision on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue, where the party primary was taking place.
Addressing party members shortly before leaving the venue, the lawmaker claimed that many of his supporters were prevented from entering the polling area despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.
According to him, efforts to secure access for his supporters proved unsuccessful.
“In all zones, they’ve been intimidating and stopping us,” Elliot said while announcing his withdrawal from the race.
“This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside. They’ve not been allowed.”
The Surulere legislator said the situation left him with no option but to step aside from the contest.
His announcement triggered a peaceful protest by supporters, who later walked out of the venue with him.
Before departing, Elliot wished party members well and urged calm.
“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that his decision was aimed at preventing tension or any breakdown of law and order, insisting that no political contest should endanger lives.
He also called on the leadership of the APC to ensure transparency and fairness in the conduct of its primaries across Lagos State.
The development adds to growing concerns and complaints emerging from ongoing party primaries in parts of the country, where some aspirants and supporters have raised allegations of irregularities and intimidation.
