Desmond Elliot Withdraws from Primary, alleges intimidation
Three-term lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the constituency seat. His withdrawal is coming at a time his opponent Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, backed by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila is leading in the ongoing race. […]
Desmond Elliot
Three-term lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the constituency seat.
His withdrawal is coming at a time his opponent Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, backed by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila is leading in the ongoing race.
Elliot announced his decision in a video message on Wednesday, alleging intimidation, coercion and political victimisation targeted at his supporters ahead of the primaries.
According to him, security aides attached to him were withdrawn, while local government workers believed to be loyal to his political camp were removed from their positions.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliot said, describing the political atmosphere as hostile and unfair.
The APC primary election for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat in Surulere Constituency I took place on Wednesday amid heightened political tension within the constituency.
Elliot said increasing pressure and concerns over the credibility of the process influenced his decision to step aside from the race, a move that effectively clears the path for remaining aspirants in the contest.