Desmond Elliott Cries Out Over Alleged Intimidation, Security Withdrawal Before APC Primaries
By Ranti Thomas
Fresh tension has erupted within the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress after Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliott publicly accused some party leaders of intimidation, political victimisation and attempts to manipulate the upcoming primaries.
In a viral video that surfaced online on Sunday, the actor-turned-politician alleged that pressure was being mounted on party members to support a preferred aspirant ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for May 20.
Elliott claimed that supporters loyal to him were allegedly being threatened and denied political opportunities for refusing to align with certain interests within the local party structure.
According to him, the atmosphere inside Surulere APC has become increasingly hostile due to what he described as coercion and unfair political tactics.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” the lawmaker said in the video.
He further alleged that some local government officials had reportedly lost their positions because of their support for him.
The Surulere representative also accused local government leaders of openly backing another aspirant months before the primaries, claiming the process had already been tilted unfairly.
“It is bad enough that the local government already took a side to support a particular aspirant,” he stated.
Elliott suggested that the large support base he still enjoys within the constituency may have unsettled his political opponents.
He also raised alarm over the sudden withdrawal of his security aides, questioning the motive behind the move.
“My security personnel was taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he asked.
The lawmaker further alleged that there were plans to disrupt the primaries by bringing in outsiders to cause violence and chaos during the exercise.
Despite the allegations, Elliott maintained that he remains committed to the APC and would accept the outcome of the primaries if the process is conducted fairly.
“If I win, Alhamdulillah. If I lose, I will support the winner. But let it be through a free and fair election,” he declared.
He also appealed to APC leaders and stakeholders to investigate the situation and ensure peace before, during, and after the primaries.
The latest controversy has deepened concerns over growing internal divisions within the Surulere APC, especially amid increasing accusations of candidate imposition and factional rivalry ahead of the elections.
Political observers believe the public outcry may further intensify the already heated battle for control of the constituency as the primaries draw closer.