Nollywood star-turned politician, Mr Desmond Elliott, has said he did not withdraw from the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to elect a candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly Surulere Constituency 1.
Earlier on Wednesday, the actor released a video where he said he was not participating in the exercise after he alleged intimidation of his supporters.
But moments later, after videos started emerging that his opponent, Ms Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, had clinched the party’s ticket for the proper election in 2027, Mr Elliot said he never stepped down.
In a statement shared on his social media platform, X, formerly Twitter, the movie star described reports of his purported withdrawal from the race as “misleading,” saying they were “deliberate misrepresentations” of his stance in the video.
“We wish to categorically state that Desmond Elliott did not withdraw or step down from the race,” a part of the statement signed by the Concerned Supporters and Stakeholders in Surulere Constituency 1 noted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, what Desmond Elliott communicated in the video posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @DesmondOElliot, was his deep concern over the deliberate exclusion and intimidation of his supporters, many of whom were denied access to the designated voting venues, particularly in Ward F2 and Ward F3.
“These unfortunate developments created an atmosphere of tension and raised legitimate fears of a possible breakdown of law and order. In light of these troubling circumstances, Desmond Elliott, acting responsibly and in the interest of peace, urged his agents and supporters to withdraw from the immediate voting environment to prevent escalation and to avoid any form of violence or chaos.
“His decision was one of statesmanship and restraint—not a concession, withdrawal, or surrender of his candidacy.
“It is therefore misleading and inaccurate for anyone to interpret or portray his remarks as stepping down from the race. Desmond Elliott remains committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the mandate freely given to him by the overwhelming majority of his supporters across Surulere Constituency 1.
“We call on party members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard false narratives and remain focused on the need for transparency, fairness, and justice in the electoral process.
“At this critical moment, it is imperative that the integrity of the primary election process be upheld and that every legitimate supporter and delegate is allowed to participate freely, without intimidation or obstruction,” the disclosure stated.
SEE Full Details ➜