In a major development during the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) primary election in Lagos, actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the race for the Surulere 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, where the party primary was being conducted. The lawmaker, who has represented the constituency for several terms, alleged that his supporters were intimidated and denied access to the voting venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.
Speaking at the venue, Elliot claimed that members of his camp were systematically excluded from participating in the process, making a fair contest impossible.
“This is my ward. Those outside are my people, but they have not been allowed in”, he said while announcing his decision to step down from the race.
Following the announcement, some of his supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the stadium alongside the lawmaker. Elliot explained that his decision to exit the venue immediately was aimed at preventing tensions from escalating, insisting that no political ambition is worth the loss of lives.
He subsequently thanked party members and supporters before formally withdrawing from the contest.
