Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere 1 in the Lagos legislature, has alleged intimidation, coercion, and political victimisation by some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Surulere, as the party prepares for its house of assembly primaries on May 20.
In a video posted on his social media pages, the actor-turned-lawmaker claimed that party members and local government officials supporting his aspiration have faced threats of removal from positions, and denial of future benefits if they refuse to back a preferred aspirant.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliot said.
“Telling them that they will not be beneficiaries of some empowerment that is coming some other time. Please, this is not done and should not be done.”
He accused the local government leadership of openly taking sides months before the primaries, describing the development as unfair and troubling.
Elliot said the level of grassroots support he has garnered appeared to have unsettled his opponents.
The Surulere representative said his security detail was withdrawn on Saturday under unclear circumstances.
“My security personnel was taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he asked.
Elliot raised the alarm over possible violence, alleging plans to mobilise people from outside the constituency to disrupt the primaries.
He appealed to senior APC leaders to urgently investigate the situation and ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible process.
The lawmaker said he would accept the outcome of the primary poll if the exercise is free and fair.
“By the grace of God, if I, Desmond Olusola Elliot, win, Alhamdulillah. If I lose, I will throw my support behind the winner,” he added.
He urged his supporters not to be intimidated and assured them that adequate security would be provided.
Elliot is up against Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, former special adviser on housing to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor.
Odunuga-Bakare has secured the endorsement of key APC stakeholders in Surulere, including that of Femi Gbajabiamila, ex-speaker of the federal legislature and current chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu.
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