Lagos State lawmaker and actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing alleged intimidation and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 decision on Wednesday at the Paddington Mini Stadium along Western Avenue, where the party primary was being conducted.
According to him, several appeals made to electoral officers to allow his supporters access into the venue were ignored, despite repeated interventions.
“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 alleged
that many of his supporters were denied entry into the polling area throughout the exercise.“They’ve not been allowed,” Elliot stated shortly before officially stepping down from the contest.
Following his withdrawal, supporters of the politician staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him.
Elliot, however, maintained that his decision was taken in the interest of peace and to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that no political contest should lead to violence or loss of lives.
Before departing the venue, he wished party members well and urged the leadership of the APC to ensure a free, fair and credible process during the conduct of its primaries across Lagos State.
“Good luck. Thank you, and God bless you,” he told party faithful.
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