Fresh political tension has erupted within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott publicly alleged intimidation, political victimisation, and the sudden withdrawal of his security aides ahead of the Surulere APC primaries.
The Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Surulere Constituency I made the allegations in a viral video circulated online on Sunday, where he accused unnamed party leaders and local government officials of allegedly coercing party members to support a preferred aspirant ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026.
According to Elliott, the political atmosphere within the Surulere APC chapter has become increasingly tense, with allegations of pressure, intimidation, and attempts to impose candidates on party members.
Speaking emotionally in the now-trending video, the lawmaker claimed that supporters loyal to him had allegedly faced backlash because of their political stance.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliott stated.
He further alleged that some local government officials were reportedly removed from their positions simply because they supported his political ambition.
The actor-politician also accused local government leadership within the constituency of openly backing another aspirant long before the primaries officially commenced, describing the situation as unfair and undemocratic.
“It is bad enough that the LGA and the local government already took a side months ago,” he lamented.
One of the most controversial parts of Elliott’s statement was his claim that his security aides were suddenly withdrawn without explanation.
“My security personnel were taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left alone to myself. What have I done?” he asked in the viral clip.
The allegation has sparked widespread reactions online, especially among APC supporters and political observers who believe the development reflects deeper internal divisions within the ruling party in Lagos ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
Elliott also raised concerns about possible violence during the primaries, alleging that some individuals were planning to mobilise outsiders to disrupt the exercise and create unrest within Surulere.
“They want to bring people from outside and from within to cause mayhem and trouble,” he claimed while calling on party leaders to urgently intervene.
Despite his complaints, the lawmaker insisted he remained loyal to the APC and would fully support whoever emerges victorious if the process is transparent and credible.
“By the grace of God, if I 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 said.
The controversy is unfolding just days after Elliott publicly apologised to former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to political tensions surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis.
Political analysts say the latest development further exposes the growing cracks within APC structures in Lagos, especially as various factions continue positioning themselves ahead of future elections.
Earlier reports had already hinted at increasing political rivalry in Surulere, with Elliott recently urging his supporters not to be intimidated during the primaries while insisting that democracy must prevail.
The situation has now triggered fresh debate across social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether internal democracy truly exists within political parties or whether candidate imposition and political pressure have become the new normal in Nigerian politics.
As of the time of filing this report, APC leadership in Lagos had yet to officially respond to Elliott’s allegations. However, the unfolding drama is expected to further intensify conversations around party politics, loyalty, power struggles, and the future of grassroots democracy within Nigeria’s political system.
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