APC Primaries: Elliott raises alarm over withdrawal of security aides, alleged intimidation

The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliott, has raised concerns over alleged intimidation and political pressure ahead of the primaries in Surulere, claiming his security aides were withdrawn amid rising tension within the party.

In a viral video released on Sunday, the actor-turned-politician accused some APC leaders of coercing party members to support a preferred aspirant ahead of the May 20 primaries, alleging that intimidation and pressure tactics had become widespread within the Surulere chapter of the party.

According to Elliott, party members were allegedly being threatened with exclusion from future empowerment programmes if they failed to align with a particular candidate.

The lawmaker further alleged that some local government officials lost their positions because of their support for him. He accused certain party leaders and local government authorities of openly backing another aspirant months before the scheduled primaries.

“It is bad enough that the LGA and the local government already took a side months ago. The local government already took a side to support a particular aspirant,” he said.

“My security aide was taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he queried.

The lawmaker further alleged that there were plans to disrupt the primaries, claiming that some individuals were being mobilised to cause unrest during the exercise. Despite the allegations, he maintained that he would accept the outcome of the contest if the process remained transparent and credible.

He appealed to APC leaders to investigate the matter and ensure a peaceful and credible primary election in Surulere, adding that he was prepared to support whoever emerges victorious, provided the process is free, fair and devoid of intimidation.