Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has voiced serious complaints about intimidation tactics ahead of the APC primary elections in his constituency.
Speaking in a video shared on his X account, the actor-turned-politician alleged that party members supporting him had faced pressure and threats. He appealed to APC leadership to guarantee a free and fair contest in Surulere.
Elliot acknowledged the party's decision to hold direct primaries across Nigeria. He noted this approach allows voters to test the popularity of all contenders.
Yet he warned that some individuals were trying to manipulate the process through coercion and arm-twisting of party members. "Intimidation, coercion, arm-twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what exists today in Surulere," he stated.
According to him, certain APC members had been threatened with exclusion from development programmes if they refused to back a particular aspirant. "We are all members of the same party," he said, criticizing the practice.
Elliot also claimed that local government workers lost their jobs because of their political association with him. "A lot of people from the local government have been fired because they follow me," he alleged.
He expressed frustration that local government authorities had already chosen sides months before the primaries. The official said he chose not to complain about this development until now.
Most troubling, according to Elliot, was the removal of his security detail without any explanation. "My security personnel were taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them," he noted.
Elliot questioned what he had done to warrant this action. He expressed concern about his personal safety during this period.
He also warned that there were alleged plans to bring outsiders into Surulere to incite violence and cause disruption. "They want to bring people from outside and from within to cause mayhem and to cause trouble," he warned.
Elliot called on party leaders to investigate his claims thoroughly and take corrective action. He urged his supporters to remain strong and not succumb to intimidation tactics.
"To all you lovers of Desmond Olusola Elliott, who believe in accessibility and fair play, do not be intimidated," he told his backers. He promised that maximum security would be provided on election day, May 20, 2026.
