Lagos State lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency, Desmond Elliot, has alleged intimidation, coercion and the withdrawal of his security aides ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primaries in the area.
Elliot, a former actor turned politician, made the claims in a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the build-up to the party’s primary election.
He stated that some party loyalists were reportedly being targeted for supporting his candidacy and called on APC leadership to ensure a free, fair and transparent process.
The lawmaker expressed appreciation to the President and party leadership for adopting the direct primary mode, describing it as a system that allows aspirants to test their popularity among party members.
“I want to bring to your notice that intimidation, coercion, arm-twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what exists today in Surulere,” Elliot said.
He alleged that some APC members were being threatened with the withdrawal of empowerment opportunities if they failed to support a preferred aspirant.
Elliot also claimed that some individuals had lost their jobs at the local government level due to their political alignment with him.
According to him, “We’ve been intimidated so much that a lot of people from the local government have been fired because they follow me.”
The lawmaker further alleged that local government authorities had openly declared support for another aspirant months earlier, despite ongoing internal party processes.
Raising further concern, Elliot disclosed that his security personnel had allegedly been withdrawn without explanation, leaving him vulnerable.
“My security personnel were taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them,” he said.
He also warned of alleged plans to instigate violence during the primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026, calling on party stakeholders to ensure peace and order during the exercise.
Elliot urged his supporters not to be discouraged, expressing confidence that the party would guarantee security and a fair electoral process.