Desmond Elliot withdraws from APC primaries

Lagos State lawmaker and actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries election for Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters.

Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, where the party’s primary election was taking place.

He said he had made repeated appeals to electoral officials to allow his supporters access to the venue but claimed the requests 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,” he said.

The lawmaker also alleged that many of his supporters were denied entry into the polling area despite interventions and appeals.

Following his announcement, some of his supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him.

Elliot said he decided to step down to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that no political ambition was worth human lives.

He urged the APC leadership to ensure a transparent and fair process in its ongoing primaries across Lagos State.