By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
Three-term lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, ending his bid for a fourth term in the assembly.
The actor-turned-politician announced his decision on Wednesday during the APC primary for the Surulere Constituency I seat, barely a day after insisting he would remain in the race.
Elliot maintained that neither President Bola Tinubu nor the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, pressured him to step down in favour of another aspirant, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.
However, he attributed his withdrawal to what he described as intimidation, coercion and political victimisation targeted at his supporters ahead of the exercise.
According to him, the political atmosphere in Surulere had become increasingly hostile, making it difficult for a free and fair contest to take place.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliot said while explaining the circumstances surrounding his decision.
He further alleged that his security aides were withdrawn and some local government workers believed to be loyal to him were removed from their positions before the primary election.
Elliot’s withdrawal is expected to strengthen the chances of Odunuga-Bakare, a former aide to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is said to have the backing of influential figures within the ruling party.
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