"They Are Intimidating My People": Desmond Elliot Steps Down from APC Primaries
- Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election for the Surulere 1 constituency
- The tense election saw his main rival, Barakat Bakare, reportedly take an aggressive lead with heavy backing from state and federal officials
- Elliot, who has represented the constituency since 2015, rejected the integrity of the process, claiming his loyal supporters were systematically blocked from entering the voting area
The decade-long political dominance of Nollywood veteran Desmond Elliot in Surulere has come to a grinding, chaotic halt following a highly volatile party primary.
Source: UGC
Seeking a historic fourth consecutive term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Elliot’s ambitions collapsed in real-time on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in the afternoon as internal party dynamics allegedly turned fiercely against him.
Desmond Elliot announces withdrawal from APC primaries
Visibly frustrated by the heavy security and administrative restrictions at the Paddington Mini Stadium on Western Avenue, the veteran lawmaker confronted electoral officials on the field.
He alleged a deliberate, calculated plot by top government actors to rig the process in favour of his opponent, Barakat Bakare.
"In all zones, they’ve been intimidating and stopping us," Elliot stated passionately to reporters at the venue.
"I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race. This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside. They’ve not been allowed inside to vote despite all my repeated appeals."
Despite his protests, the electoral committee proceeded with the process, reportedly leveraging the state-backed machinery to cement Bakare's victory.
Desmond Elliot's political journey, which began with a landslide victory in 2015 under the APC banner, followed by successful re-election campaigns in 2019 and 2023. Over the years, Elliot's relationship with the younger demographic in Lagos has been heavily strained, particularly following his controversial statements during the 2020 EndSARS protests, a reputational dent that seemingly caught up with his grassroots support in 2026.
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Desmond Elliot considers appeal over election
Desmond Elliot later announced plans to appeal the outcome of the election in the Surulere constituency.
He stressed the decision to withdraw due to alleged intimidation and harassment of his supporters, explaining that it was a move to protect them.
Speaking in an interview with TVC News Nigeria on May 20, 2026, he noted that the legal option is still under consideration.
“But basically, we are going to consider appealing,” he stated.
Watch the YouTube video below.
Ned Nwoko crashes out in senatorial primaries
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the political future of billionaire lawmaker Senator Ned Nwoko suffered a catastrophic blow, with social media users wasting no time pointing fingers at his troubled personal life.
Just months after his highly publicised domestic meltdown and separation from Nollywood star Regina Daniels, Nwoko’s bid to retain his seat in the 2027 General Elections came to a crashing halt at the APC primaries.
Source: YEN.com.gh
