Desmond Elliott Alleges Intimidation Ahead of Surulere APC Primaries

Lagos State House of Assembly member Desmond Elliott has alleged intimidation and coercion by unnamed party leaders ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere I constituency. In a viral video, Mr Elliott accused local government officials of forcing party members to support a preferred aspirant.

The lawmaker, who represents Surulere Constituency I, claimed that some local government officials were removed from their positions because they supported him. He stated that the political atmosphere within the Surulere chapter of the APC had become tense due to alleged intimidation and attempts to force party members to support certain candidates.

"Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what's existing today in Surulere,"

Mr Elliott said in the video. He alleged that the local government leadership had openly backed another aspirant months before the primaries.

Mr Elliott also claimed that several individuals associated with him had suffered repercussions because of their political alignment. He alleged that his security personnel were withdrawn under unclear circumstances.

The lawmaker raised concerns over possible violence during the primaries, alleging that some persons planned to mobilise outsiders to disrupt the exercise. He appealed to party leaders to intervene and ensure that the primaries are peaceful, transparent, and credible.

Despite the allegations, Mr Elliott said he'd accept the outcome of the primaries if the process is free and fair. He also urged his supporters not to be intimidated, assuring them that adequate security would be provided during the exercise.

This controversy comes days after Mr Elliott publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila over his alleged involvement in moves to impeach Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The Director-General of the Desmond Elliott Campaign Organisation, Bless Koye, had earlier announced his withdrawal of support for the lawmaker’s fourth-term bid.

The APC primary election is a crucial step in the electoral process, and allegations of intimidation and coercion can undermine the credibility of the election. Party leaders must intervene and ensure that the primaries are conducted in a free and fair manner. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

As the election approaches, the political atmosphere in Surulere is tense, and there are concerns about possible violence. Mr Elliott’s allegations have highlighted the need for adequate security measures to be put in place to prevent any disruptions during the exercise. The safety of voters and candidates is a top priority, and the APC must ensure that the election is conducted in a secure environment.

The outcome of the primaries will be closely watched, and it's crucial that the process is transparent and credible. The APC must ensure that the election is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people and upholds the principles of democracy. The people of Surulere and Lagos State are counting on the APC to deliver a free and fair election.

In the viral video, Mr Elliott also campaigned for other APC candidates, including Wasiu Eshilokun, Kadri Hamzat, and Bola Tinubu. He urged his supporters to vote for these candidates, stating that they're committed to the development of Surulere and Lagos State. These candidates, he said, have a vision for the future of the state and the constituency.

As a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Elliott has been a vocal advocate for the rights of his constituents. He's been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Surulere, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He's worked tirelessly to ensure that his constituents have access to basic amenities and services.

The controversy surrounding the APC primaries in Surulere has highlighted the need for party leaders to promote a culture of transparency and fairness. The APC must ensure that the electoral process is free from intimidation, coercion, and other forms of manipulation. This is essential for building trust in the party and the electoral process.

The allegations made by Desmond Elliott have raised concerns about the credibility of the APC primary election in Surulere. It's crucial for party leaders to intervene and ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and free from intimidation and coercion. The outcome of the primaries will have significant implications for the people of Surulere and Lagos State, and it's essential that the election is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people. The APC must take steps to address these concerns and ensure that the election is conducted in a free and fair manner. The people of Surulere and Lagos State are watching, and they won't tolerate any form of manipulation or intimidation. The APC has a responsibility to deliver a credible election, and it's up to the party leaders to make it happen.