Desmond Elliott has accused some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere of intimidation, political victimization and attempts to influence the party’s forthcoming primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a viral video making rounds online, the Surulere lawmaker alleged that party members were being pressured and intimidated into supporting a preferred aspirant ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026.
According to Elliott, some local government officials who openly support him have allegedly been removed from their positions, a situation he described as unfair and disturbing.
The actor-turned-politician claimed that intimidation and manipulation had become widespread within the Surulere APC, alleging that some members were being threatened with exclusion from future empowerment opportunities if they failed to support a particular candidate.
Elliott also accused the local government leadership of openly backing another aspirant months before the primaries, adding that he initially remained silent despite what he described as obvious bias within the party structure.
He further suggested that the large number of supporters rallying behind him may have unsettled some political figures within the constituency, insisting that many of his supporters were standing with him because they believed in fairness and justice.
The Lagos lawmaker additionally revealed that his security aide was recently withdrawn without explanation, leaving him concerned about his safety and questioning the motive behind the move.
He alleged that there were plans to disrupt the primaries by bringing in outsiders to cause unrest and violence during the exercise.
Despite the allegations, Elliott appealed to APC chieftains to intervene and ensure the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently and credibly.
The lawmaker, however, maintained that he would accept the outcome of the primaries if the process is free and fair, noting that he would support whoever emerges victorious if he loses.
He also urged his supporters not to be intimidated, assuring them that adequate security would be available during the primaries.
Elliott used the opportunity to campaign for other APC candidates, including Bola Tinubu, as concerns continue to grow over alleged candidate imposition and internal divisions within the APC in Surulere ahead of the primaries.