LAGOS, Nigeria – Desmond Elliot, a lawmaker representing Surulere I in Nigeria‘s Lagos State House of Assembly, withdrew from the All Progressives Congress primaries on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Okay News reports that Elliot announced his withdrawal in a video circulating on social media, accusing unnamed individuals of preventing his supporters from accessing the polling venue.
“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. This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside, and they have not been allowed,” he said.
“So I am officially announcing my withdrawal from this race. Good luck, thank you,” he said.
The lawmaker said he repeatedly appealed to electoral officers to allow his supporters into the polling area, but his pleas were ignored.
Following his announcement, supporters staged a peaceful protest before leaving the venue alongside him.
