Drama in Lagos APC as Desmond Elliot withdraws from Primary midway

In a stunning twist that has upended the local political landscape, actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Elliot, a prominent lawmaker who has represented the constituency for multiple terms, announced his dramatic exit on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, where the party’s primary was actively underway.

The lawmaker stated that his decision was forced by widespread structural intimidation and the deliberate exclusion of his loyalists from the voting centre.

According to Elliot, electoral officials repeatedly ignored his formal appeals to grant his supporters access to the polling venue.

“And of course, in all zones, they’ve been intimidating and stopping us,” Elliot said, addressing the crowd at the stadium.

“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 emphasized that despite numerous interventions, his camp was systematically shut out of the process, rendering a fair contest impossible.

“They’ve not been allowed,” he added shortly before stepping down.

Following the announcement, a tense but controlled scene unfolded at the venue. Elliot’s supporters staged a peaceful protest before gradually exiting the stadium alongside the lawmaker.

Explaining his immediate departure from the premises, Elliot noted that his exit was a strategic choice to defuse mounting tensions and prevent potential violence, stating firmly that no political office is worth the loss of human lives.

“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” Elliot told the remaining party members and officials as he exited the race.