Desmond Elliot Withdraws From APC Primary, Alleges Intimidation of Supporters

Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging intimidation and deliberate exclusion of his supporters from the voting venue.

The actor-turned-politician made the announcement on Wednesday during the party’s primary election held at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue in Surulere, Lagos. His withdrawal came amid growing tension at the venue following complaints that several of his loyalists were denied entry despite arriving early for the exercise.

Addressing party members and supporters shortly before stepping down from the race, Elliot said repeated efforts to resolve the situation with electoral officials yielded no positive result. According to him, appeals made to the officers conducting the primary were ignored, while his supporters continued to face intimidation across different areas of the venue.

“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,” he stated.

Elliot further alleged that many of his supporters remained stranded outside the polling arena despite several interventions aimed at granting them access to participate in the process.

“They’ve not been allowed,” he added while expressing disappointment over the development.

Moments after the announcement, a number of his supporters staged a peaceful protest before gradually leaving the stadium alongside the lawmaker. The atmosphere remained calm as security operatives monitored activities around the venue