Desmond Elliot Pulls Out of Lagos Assembly Re-Election Race Amid Allegations of Intimidation.
Surulere lawmaker exits APC race, citing disruptions that stalled campaign activities in constituency.
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The announcement that Desmond Elliot has pulled out of the race for re-election into the Lagos State House of Assembly has triggered widespread political reactions across Lagos State, following allegations of intimidation and disruptions within his constituency.
The lawmaker representing Surulere I, Desmond Elliot, confirmed his withdrawal in a video that has continued to circulate widely on Wednesday, drawing attention to tensions within the political environment of Lagos State ahead of ongoing party realignments under the All Progressives Congress (APC) https://apc.com.ng.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
Desmond Elliot, a former Nollywood actor who transitioned into politics, has served as the representative of Surulere I constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Over the years, he has remained an active figure within the APC, participating in legislative duties and constituency engagement. His political career has attracted consistent public attention due to his visibility and background in the entertainment industry.
The development that Desmond Elliot has pulled out of the re-election race comes at a critical period in Lagos politics, where internal party contests are shaping candidate selection and electoral positioning.
Key Developments
In the video statement shared online, Elliot said he was stepping away from the race due to alleged intimidation and repeated disruptions affecting his campaign activities.
He explained that political activities in several zones within his constituency had been hindered, limiting engagement with supporters and restricting campaign movement.
According to him, the prevailing conditions made it difficult to continue in the contest, leading to his decision to withdraw from the race entirely.
The news that Desmond Elliot has pulled out quickly gained traction across social media platforms, sparking debate about internal democracy within the APC.
Reactions from Stakeholders
While official responses from the APC leadership in Lagos State are still being awaited, political observers say the development reflects underlying tensions within local party structures.
In his statement, Elliot said: “My name is Desmond Elliot. In all zones, they have been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race.”
He further noted that supporters in his ward were being prevented from participating freely in campaign activities, which influenced his decision.
Reactions from constituents and political commentators have remained mixed, with calls for clearer explanations from party authorities.
Implications
The fact that Desmond Elliot has pulled out raises broader questions about internal democracy and fairness within party primaries in Lagos State.
Analysts warn that repeated allegations of intimidation, if left unaddressed, could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and deepen political mistrust at the grassroots level.
It also highlights the competitive and often tense nature of constituency-level politics in Lagos, where party influence and local power structures play a decisive role.
What Happens Next
Attention now shifts to the leadership of the APC in Lagos State, which may be expected to respond to the concerns raised and clarify the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.
The party is also expected to adjust its candidate arrangements for Surulere I as the electoral process continues.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether the decision that Desmond Elliot has pulled out remains final or leads to further political negotiations.
Conclusion
The development that Desmond Elliot has pulled out of the Lagos Assembly race marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape. As reactions continue to emerge, it underscores the fragile balance of internal party politics and the challenges of maintaining fairness in competitive constituencies.
The iNews Times will continue to follow the situation as it unfolds.
