Desmond Elliot withdraws from APC primary election over alleged intimidation

Ebun Emmanuel – May 20,2026

The lawmaker representing the Surulere State Constituency I, Desmond Elliott, on Wednesday withdrew from the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters.

Elliott announced his withdrawal at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, where the party’s primary was being conducted.

The actor-turned-politician said he made several appeals to the electoral officers to grant his supporters access to the polling venue, but his requests were ignored.

“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.

He also alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the polling venue despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.

“They’ve not been allowed,” Elliott stated shortly before announcing his withdrawal from the contest.

Following the development, his supporters staged a peaceful protest and gradually exited the venue alongside him.

However, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Honourable Elliot’s former godfather, described the primary election in Surulere Constituency as peaceful, fair and orderly.

Gbajabiamila spoke with journalists after participating in the primary election at Ward G2 (Adeniran Ogunsanya Ward 5), situated at Alaka Housing Estate, Surulere, Lagos.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was impressed by the conduct of party members and the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise.