Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has alleged intimidation, coercion, and political victimisation ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) house of assembly primaries scheduled for May 20.
In a video shared on his social media pages, the actor-turned-politician accused some APC leaders and local government officials in Surulere of threatening party members backing his re-election bid.
“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.”
Elliot alleged that the local government leadership had openly taken sides ahead of the primaries, describing the situation as unfair.
He also claimed that his growing grassroots support appeared to have unsettled political opponents within the constituency.
The Surulere lawmaker further disclosed that his security aides were withdrawn on Saturday under unclear circumstances.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 also raised concerns over possible violence during the primaries, alleging that there were plans to mobilise individuals from outside Surulere to disrupt the process.
He appealed to senior APC leaders to intervene and ensure that the primaries are peaceful, transparent, and credible.
The lawmaker said he would accept the outcome of the election if the process is conducted fairly.
“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.
Elliot urged his supporters not to be intimidated, assuring them that adequate security would be provided.
He is contesting against Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, former Special Adviser on Housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Odunuga-Bakare has reportedly secured the endorsement of several APC stakeholders in Surulere, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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