… cites intimidation, exclusion of his supporters during voting process…says action based on restraint, responsibility, and not a concession, withdrawal, or surrender of his candidacy
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE LAGOS, Nigeria – Lawmaker Desmond Oluwashola Elliot, three-term member representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has clarified that he did not step down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary race.
Desmond Elliott
Elliot had earlier announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, citing alleged intimidation and political victimisation during the exercise.
In a video message released during the primaries on Wednesday, the actor-turned-politician said mounting pressure and concerns over fairness in the electoral process forced his exit, effectively clearing the way for other aspirants.
However, minutes after the video circulated, and following reports that a winner had already emerged in the primary election, Elliott issued a follow-up statement clarifying his position.
In the statement, Elliott said his actions were not a withdrawal from the race but a response to what he described as intimidation and exclusion of his supporters during the voting process.
He explained that his security aides were allegedly withdrawn and loyal local government workers removed from their positions ahead of the primaries, adding that these developments created tension in Surulere Constituency I.
According to him, his decision to urge his agents and supporters to withdraw from the immediate voting environment was taken to prevent a breakdown of law and order and avoid any form of violence.
Elliott stressed that his action was one of restraint and responsibility, and not a concession, withdrawal, or surrender of his candidacy.
He maintained that he remains committed to democratic principles and the mandate of his supporters across Surulere Constituency I.
According to the statement, “Our attention has been drawn to misleading reports and deliberate misrepresentations suggesting that Hon. Desmond Elliott stepped down from the contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State House of Assembly Primary Election in Surulere Constituency 1.
“We wish to categorically state that Hon. Desmond Elliott did not withdraw or step down from the race.
“For the avoidance of doubt, what Hon. Desmond Elliott communicated in the video posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle,@DesmondOElliot, was his deep concern over the deliberate exclusion and intimidation of his supporters, many of whom were denied access to the designated voting venues, particularly in Ward F2 and Ward F3.
“These unfortunate developments created an atmosphere of tension and raised legitimate fears of a possible breakdown of law and order. In light of these troubling circumstances, Hon. Desmond Elliott, acting responsibly and in the interest of peace, urged his agents and supporters to withdraw from the immediate voting environment to prevent escalation and to avoid any form of violence or chaos.
“His decision was one of statesmanship and restraint—not a concession, withdrawal, or surrender of his candidacy. It is therefore misleading and inaccurate for anyone to interpret or portray his remarks as stepping down from the race. Hon. Desmond Elliott remains committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the mandate freely given to him by the overwhelming majority of his supporters across Surulere Constituency 1.
“We call on party members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard false narratives and remain focused on the need for transparency, fairness, and justice in the electoral process.
“At this critical moment, it is imperative that the integrity of the primary election process be upheld and that every legitimate supporter and delegate is allowed to participate freely, without intimidation or obstruction.”
