Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation and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.
The primary election was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue in Lagos.
Elliot’s main rival in the contest, Bakarat Bakare, who was reportedly backed by influential figures within the state and federal political structure, was declared the winner of the primary.
Speaking shortly before announcing his withdrawal, Desmond Elliot accused party officials and security personnel at the venue of preventing many of his loyal supporters from gaining access to the polling area.
“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.
The lawmaker further claimed that despite repeated efforts to speak with electoral officers supervising the exercise, his complaints were ignored and his supporters remained locked out of the venue.
“They’ve not been allowed,” he added.
Videos circulating online after the incident showed some APC members shouting “Ole! Ole!” and “Thief!” at the actor-politician as he exited the venue following his withdrawal announcement.
Desmond Elliot was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 under the APC platform. He subsequently secured re-election in 2019 and 2023 and was seeking a fourth consecutive term representing Surulere Constituency 1.
His withdrawal has since generated reactions online, with supporters and political observers debating the credibility and fairness of the primary process within the ruling party in Lagos State.
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