Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has alleged that he faced intimidation, coercion, and the withdrawal of his security aides ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primaries in Surulere.
Speaking in a video shared on his X handle, the former Nollywood actor claimed that several party loyalists supporting him had also been targeted.
Desmond Elliot appealed to party leaders to ensure that the primary election process remains peaceful, fair, and transparent.
“I want to appreciate the President of this great country and the party leadership for allowing direct primaries to be held across the country. We say thank you so much because this is meant to test the popularity of all the aspirants across the board,” he said.
The lawmaker further alleged that some individuals were attempting to influence the process through intimidation and pressure on 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.
According to him, some APC members were allegedly threatened with exclusion from empowerment opportunities if they refused to support a preferred aspirant.
“Please, this is not done and should not be done. We are all members of the same party,” he said.
Elliot also claimed that some local government staff allegedly lost their jobs because of their political association with him.
“We’ve been intimidated so much that a lot of people from the local government have been fired because they follow me. That should not be allowed,” he claimed.
The Surulere lawmaker additionally accused local government authorities of openly supporting another aspirant before the primaries.
“It is bad enough that the local government already took a side months ago to support a particular aspirant. I didn’t say anything,” he said.
Expressing concerns over his safety, Elliot revealed that his security aides were allegedly withdrawn without explanation.
“My security personnel were taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he asked.
He also alleged that there were plans to instigate violence during the primaries by bringing in individuals to cause unrest.
“They want to bring people from outside and from within to cause mayhem and to cause trouble. Please allow for a free, fair election on the 20th of May, 2026,” he said.
Desmond Elliot concluded by urging his supporters not to be intimidated and encouraged them to participate peacefully in the primaries.
“To all you lovers of Desmond Olusola Elliott, who believe in accessibility and fair play, do not be intimidated. Come out on that day because there will be maximum security guaranteed from the party,” he said.