Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has reportedly withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Lagos State House of Assembly amid allegations of intimidation and political pressure.
Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, was seeking a fourth term before announcing his decision to step down from the race.
The development follows growing tension surrounding the APC primaries in Lagos State, where the lawmaker had earlier raised concerns about alleged intimidation targeting him and his supporters.
Reports indicated that Elliot accused certain political interests of undermining his campaign through the dismissal of loyalists within local government structures and the withdrawal of his security details ahead of the primaries.
His withdrawal is expected to strengthen the position of his challenger, lawyer Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, who has reportedly enjoyed growing grassroots backing and support from influential APC stakeholders in Surulere.
Political observers say Elliot’s exit marks a significant shift in the constituency’s political dynamics and highlights the increasingly competitive nature of APC internal politics in Lagos.
The actor-turned-lawmaker first gained political prominence after winning election into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 and has since remained one of the most recognizable faces in the state legislature due to his entertainment background and public profile.
Reactions to his withdrawal have been mixed, with supporters expressing disappointment while critics argue that the development reflects broader internal struggles within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts note that Lagos APC primaries often attract national attention because of the state’s political influence and its central role within Nigeria’s ruling party structure.
The latest development has also reignited discussions around internal democracy, political influence, and the challenges faced by incumbents during party nomination contests.
As the APC continues its primaries across the country, attention remains focused on how party leaders will manage post-primary tensions and maintain unity ahead of future elections.
