Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation and exclusion of his supporters from the voting venue.
Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, Surulere, where the party’s primary election was taking place.
Speaking to party members and electoral officials, Elliot said repeated appeals to allow his supporters into the venue were ignored.
“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 many of his supporters were left outside the stadium and prevented from participating in the voting process.
Following the announcement, Elliot’s supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue with the lawmaker.
“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” he told party faithful as he exited the stadium
The two-term lawmaker explained that he chose to withdraw to avoid any breakdown of law and order, emphasizing that no political contest was worth the loss of lives.
Elliot has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.
