Lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the APC Lagos House of Assembly primary for Surulere 1 following tension and controversy at the polling venue.
Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday after arriving at the Paddington Mini Stadium alongside his supporters and political associates.
Supporters allegedly denied entry
Speaking to journalists at the venue, the lawmaker alleged that several of his supporters were prevented from gaining access to the polling area despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.
According to him, attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful, leading to growing tension around the exercise.
The election was eventually disrupted as protests broke out over the alleged exclusion of some party members from the process.
Desmond speaks on withdrawal
In a video that later surfaced online, Elliot said he decided to step down from the race to avoid violence and protect lives.
“I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race, good luck, thank you, and God bless you,” he said.
His supporters were also seen leaving the venue peacefully alongside him.
Fresh controversy after apology to Gbajabiamila
The development comes hours after Elliot publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila during an interview on TVC’s Your View.
The apology followed recent comments by Gbajabiamila, who revealed that President Bola Tinubu nearly sanctioned him over intelligence reports linking Elliot to the Lagos Assembly speakership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa.
Gbajabiamila stated that he denied the allegation at the time.
Tension rocks APC primary venue
Wednesday’s primary election was eventually stalled as tensions escalated at the venue over complaints of intimidation and alleged exclusion of party loyalists.
Elliot maintained that he would not allow any political contest to lead to violence or loss of lives.
Hon. Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the Lagos House Assembly APC primaries for Surulere 1.pic.twitter.com/cXqNPs1vXo
— Omotoyosi A.A Ijaya JOURNALIST (@omotoyosiwrites) May 20, 2026