Actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott has raised the alarm over the sudden withdrawal of his security detail and alleged intimidation of his supporters ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primaries in Surulere Constituency.
The Surulere 1 representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly, who is seeking a fourth term, made the claims in a viral video circulated on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The primaries are scheduled for May 20.
Elliott thanked President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for approving direct primaries across the country, describing it as a test of aspirants’ popularity.
However, he accused some party leaders and local government officials of coercion, threats, and victimisation to force support for a preferred candidate.
“My supporters are being intimidated. Some have been fired from Surulere LGA, and my security detail has been withdrawn,” he said.
“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?” The lawmaker further stated.
He alleged that the Surulere Local Government had taken sides months ago and warned against plans to bring in outsiders to cause mayhem and disrupt the process. “This should not be happening, we’re members of the same party,” Elliott added.
The development comes amid reported tensions in the constituency as Elliott pushes for re-election. Several APC members and officials have been accused of using threats of job loss and denial of future benefits to sway support.
As of press time, neither the Lagos APC nor Surulere Local Government officials had issued an official response to the allegations. Party primaries across Lagos are expected to be keenly contested as aspirants vie for tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Further updates are anticipated as the May 20 primaries draw closer.
