Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliott has raised alarm over alleged intimidation and political pressure ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Surulere, claiming his security aide was withdrawn amid growing tensions within the party.
In a viral video released on Sunday, the Surulere lawmaker accused some APC leaders of coercing party members to support a preferred aspirant ahead of the May 20 primaries.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliott 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.”
The actor-turned-politician alleged that some local government officials had lost their positions because of their support for him, while accusing party leaders of openly backing another contender months before the exercise.
“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.
Elliott claimed the strength of support behind his ambition may have unsettled his opponents, adding that his security cover was suddenly removed.
“My security aid 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.
He further alleged plans to disrupt the primaries, saying some individuals were being mobilised to create trouble during the exercise.
Despite the allegations, Elliott said he would accept the outcome of the contest if the process remains transparent and credible.
“By the grace of God, if I, Desmond Olusola Elliott, win, Alhamdulillah. If I lose, I will throw my support behind the winner. But please let it be under a free and fair election,” he added.
The lawmaker also appealed to APC leaders to investigate the matter and ensure a peaceful and credible primary election in Surulere.
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