Three-term Lagos State lawmaker, Desmond Elliott, has denied reports claiming he withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Surulere Constituency 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by concerned supporters and stakeholders in Surulere Constituency 1, the lawmaker clarified that he did not step down from the race, contrary to reports circulating online.
According to the statement, Elliott’s earlier comments in a video posted on his official X handle, @DesmondOElliot, were misunderstood and misrepresented.
The statement explained that the lawmaker had raised concerns over the alleged exclusion and intimidation of his supporters during the APC primary process, particularly in Ward F2 and Ward F3, where several supporters were reportedly denied access to designated voting venues.
It added that the situation created tension and fears of a possible breakdown of law and order, prompting Elliott to advise his agents and supporters to temporarily withdraw from the voting environment to prevent violence or chaos.
“His decision was one of statesmanship and restraint — not a concession, withdrawal, or surrender of his candidacy,” the statement read.
The supporters maintained that Elliott remains fully committed to the contest and to the democratic process, insisting that reports suggesting otherwise were false and misleading.
They also called on party stakeholders and the public to focus on ensuring transparency, fairness, and justice in the conduct of the APC primary election in Surulere Constituency 1.
