According to a report by the Punch on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly over alleged intimidation of his supporters.…....
Elliot announced his decision on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, the venue where the APC primary election was being conducted.
The actor-turned-politician accused some individuals of preventing his supporters from gaining access to the polling venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials and party organisers.
He said, “I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race.”
Elliot further claimed that several of his loyalists were blocked from entering the venue, insisting that the situation created tension around the exercise.
According to him, attempts to resolve the issue peacefully and secure access for his supporters did not produce any positive result before he decided to step down from the contest.
Following his withdrawal, many of his supporters reportedly staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside the lawmaker.
Elliot explained that his decision was necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that no political contest was worth violence or the loss of lives.
He also appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility during the conduct of party primaries across Lagos State.
The development adds to the growing political tension within Surulere Constituency I, where Elliot, who is seeking another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has recently been involved in political disagreements surrounding the APC primary process.
