Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the APC primary for the Surulere 1 House of Assembly seat, saying his supporters were being intimidated at the polling venue.
The Lagos lawmaker announced his decision on Wednesday at the Paddington mini stadium on Western Avenue, where the party was holding its primary election.
Elliot, who made the switch from acting to politics, told party members that he had pleaded with electoral officials several times to let his supporters into the venue. According to him, the requests were ignored.
“They’ve been intimidating and stopping us in all zones,” he said. “I’m officially stepping down from this race. This is my ward, and my people are outside waiting.”
He noted that many of his supporters were kept out of the venue despite repeated appeals.
After the announcement, his supporters held a short peaceful protest before leaving the stadium with him.
Elliot said he chose to walk away to avoid any unrest, adding that no election should cost lives. He called on the APC leadership to make sure primaries across Lagos are conducted fairly and without interference.
Wrapping up, he thanked party members and said, “Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you.”