Lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has officially withdrawn from the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State.
Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday in a video currently circulating across social media platforms, where he accused unnamed individuals of intimidating his supporters and preventing them from gaining access to the polling venue.
Speaking in the video, the actor-turned-politician expressed frustration over what he described as deliberate efforts to block his political camp from participating in the exercise.
“My name is Desmond Elliot. In all zones, they have 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, and they have not been allowed.
“So I am officially announcing my withdrawal from this race. Good luck, thank you,” he said.
The Surulere lawmaker further alleged that despite repeated appeals to electoral officials overseeing the process, his supporters were still denied access into the polling area.
According to him, all efforts made to resolve the situation peacefully and ensure fair participation in the primary election failed to produce any positive response from the officials on ground.
Moments after Elliot publicly announced his withdrawal from the race, his supporters reportedly staged a peaceful protest at the venue before eventually leaving alongside the lawmaker.
The development adds another twist to the political tension surrounding the APC primaries in Surulere Constituency I, where growing internal divisions and shifting alliances have continued to attract public attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Elliot’s withdrawal also comes days after political cracks emerged within his camp following the defection of key supporters and campaign figures to rival aspirants contesting for the same seat.
The Lagos lawmaker, who first entered the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 under the APC platform, has remained one of the most recognisable political figures in the constituency due to his background in Nollywood and long-standing presence in Lagos politics.
Political observers believe his decision to step down from the contest may further reshape the dynamics of the Surulere APC structure ahead of the final emergence of candidates for the 2027 elections.
What you should know
Desmond Elliot’s withdrawal from the APC primary election in Surulere highlights growing tensions and internal disputes within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development follows weeks of political uncertainty surrounding his re-election bid, including reports of defections within his support base and allegations of intimidation during the primary process.
Elliot, who has represented Surulere I since 2015, remains one of the most prominent entertainers-turned-politicians in Lagos politics.
His exit from the race is expected to significantly alter the political calculations within the constituency while fueling broader conversations about internal democracy, candidate selection, and power struggles within the Lagos APC structure.
