Lagos State lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency seat in the House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation and the exclusion of his supporters from the voting venue.
Elliot announced his decision on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, where the party primary was being held.
The actor-turned-politician said repeated appeals to electoral officials to allow his supporters into the venue were ignored.
“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.
He further alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the polling venue despite several interventions.
“They’ve not been allowed,” Elliot stated shortly before formally withdrawing from the contest.
Following the announcement, his supporters staged a peaceful protest and gradually exited the venue with him.
“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” he told party members as he stepped down from the race.
Elliot explained that he chose to leave in order to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that no election should come at the cost of human lives.
He also urged the APC leadership to ensure a free, fair, and transparent process in the conduct of its primaries across Lagos State.
