Lagos State lawmaker and actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has pulled out of the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging that his supporters were intimidated and denied access to the voting venue.
Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday during the APC primary held at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue in Lagos.
Addressing party members and supporters at the venue, the lawmaker said repeated efforts to secure entry for his supporters into the polling area were unsuccessful 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,” he said.
The lawmaker further complained that many of his supporters were allegedly prevented from entering the venue throughout the exercise.
“They’ve not been allowed,” Elliot stated shortly before stepping down from the contest.
Following his announcement, supporters loyal to him staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside the legislator.
“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” he told party members after withdrawing from the race.
Elliot explained that his decision to exit the contest was aimed at preventing any possible breakdown of law and order, insisting that no political exercise should lead to violence or loss of lives.
He also appealed to the leadership of the APC to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal treatment for all aspirants during the party’s primary elections across Lagos State.
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