Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress primary election for Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The lawmaker announced his withdrawal on Wednesday as party members prepared to vote in the APC shadow election across Lagos State.

Elliot’s decision followed growing tension surrounding the primary process, which he had earlier criticised over alleged intimidation and unfair treatment against his political camp.

In a viral video released before his withdrawal, the outgoing lawmaker accused some party stakeholders of victimisation and coercion aimed at frustrating his fourth-term re-election bid.

He alleged that his security details were withdrawn on the eve of the primary election and claimed that local government workers loyal to him were being targeted and removed from their positions.

“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliot had stated while expressing frustration over developments within the party structure.

Despite earlier insisting he would not step down for any aspirant, mounting political pressure eventually forced a change in position. His withdrawal is expected to strengthen the chances of Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, who reportedly enjoys the backing of influential APC leaders within the Surulere political structure.

Elliot has represented Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015 after successfully transitioning from Nollywood into active politics.