Desmond Elliot Pulls Out Of APC Primary

By Babatunji Wusu

Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters during the voting process.

The Desmond Elliot withdrawal was announced on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, where members of the All Progressives Congress gathered for the party’s primary election.

Speaking at the venue, Elliot claimed several of his supporters were denied access to the polling area despite repeated appeals to electoral officials supervising the exercise. He alleged that attempts to secure entry for them were ignored throughout the process.

“And of course, in all zones, they’ve been intimidating and stopping us. 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 said.

The lawmaker further stated that many loyal supporters remained outside the venue without permission to participate in the election. “They’ve not been allowed,” Elliot added shortly before stepping down from the contest.

Following the Desmond Elliot withdrawal, supporters of the actor-turned-politician staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him. Elliot later thanked party members and wished other contestants well.

“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” he told party faithful after making his decision public.

The former actor explained that he chose to leave peacefully to avoid any possible breakdown of law and order. He stressed that no political ambition should lead to violence or loss of lives.

The Desmond Elliot withdrawal has since sparked reactions among political observers and APC supporters in Lagos State.

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