Lawmaker representing Surulere I Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has raised concerns over alleged intimidation, coercion, and political victimisation ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries scheduled for May 20.
In a video message shared on his social media platforms on Monday, the actor-turned-politician accused certain party leaders and local government officials in Surulere of pressuring and intimidating supporters ahead of the internal election.
Elliot alleged that party members backing his re-election bid were being threatened with denial of future political benefits and empowerment opportunities if they failed to support a preferred candidate.
According to him, such practices undermine fairness within the party structure and contradict democratic principles.
He also claimed that the local government leadership had openly aligned with a rival camp ahead of the primaries, describing the situation as one-sided and unfair.
The lawmaker further alleged that his security details were withdrawn on Saturday without explanation, leaving him vulnerable ahead of the party exercise.
He questioned the decision, saying he had not been informed of any wrongdoing that would justify such an action.
Elliot also expressed concern over possible violence during the primaries, alleging that there were plans to bring in outsiders to disrupt the process in Surulere.
He called on senior APC leaders to urgently intervene, insisting that the exercise must be conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner.
Despite his complaints, Elliot said he would respect the outcome of the primaries if the process is conducted fairly and in accordance with party rules.
He maintained that he would either celebrate victory or support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
Elliot also urged his supporters to remain calm and not be provoked by ongoing tensions, assuring them that efforts were underway to maintain order during the exercise.
He is seeking the APC ticket for a return to the Lagos State House of Assembly, where he currently represents Surulere I.
His main challenger is Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, a former Special Adviser on Housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is reportedly backed by several influential party stakeholders in the constituency, including senior figures within the APC structure in Lagos.
