Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Surulere 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker announced his decision on Wednesday via a video shared on social media, citing intimidation directed at him and his supporters as the reason for stepping down from the race.
Elliot alleged that many of his supporters were denied access to the primary election venue, preventing them from participating in the voting process.
The incumbent representative, who was seeking the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, had been contesting against Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.
However, reacting to the claims, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Bamidele Yusuf, dismissed allegations of intimidation, stating that the exercise was peaceful.
Yusuf maintained that the accreditation and registration of delegates proceeded smoothly and assured that the process would remain transparent and credible.
The development comes amid reported political tension surrounding Elliot’s fourth-term ambition, particularly with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who is said to be backing Odunuga-Bakare for the seat.
The move is believed to be part of broader efforts to promote gender inclusion in politics.
Sources also indicated that Elliot’s re-election bid suffered a setback after President Tinubu allegedly declined appeals from influential figures lobbying on his behalf.
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