Desmond Elliott has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters and restricted access to the voting venue.
Newsonspot reports the actor-turned-politician made the announcement on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, Lagos, where the APC primary election was taking place.
According to Elliott, repeated efforts to persuade electoral officials to allow his supporters into the venue were ignored. In a video that surfaced online, he claimed that his supporters were being blocked and intimidated across different zones within the venue.
“This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside,” he stated while officially announcing his withdrawal from the race.
The lawmaker further explained that many of his supporters were denied entry despite several interventions. Following his announcement, supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him.
Elliott, who has represented Surulere Constituency I since 2015, was seeking a fourth term ahead of the 2027 elections. He said his decision to step down was necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that no political ambition should lead to violence or loss of lives.
His withdrawal leaves Barakat Bakare-Odunuga as the sole candidate in the race. Bakare-Odunuga, a former Special Adviser on Housing to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reportedly enjoyed strong backing from the APC leadership in the constituency ahead of the primary.
Elliott also called on the APC leadership to ensure that primary elections across Lagos State are conducted in a transparent, free, and fair manner.
The development marks a significant political setback for the former Nollywood star, who previously enjoyed strong support within the party since first winning the seat in 2015. Reports suggest that the APC political structure in Surulere and across Lagos may have withdrawn support for his re-election bid.
His longtime political ally, Femi Gbajabiamila, recently revealed that backing Elliott in previous elections nearly cost him his political position.
