Welcome

Desmond Elliott Cries Out Over ‘Intimidation’ as Barakat Declares for Surulere APC Ticket

Written by

Promise Odejide

in

The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified after actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott alleged intimidation and political victimisation ahead of the party’s direct primary scheduled for May 20.

The lawmaker, who is seeking a fourth term in office, raised concerns in a viral video on Sunday, claiming that some APC members supporting him were allegedly being pressured to back another aspirant.

Desmond Elliott Raises Alarm

Elliott alleged that some of his supporters working within the local government system had allegedly lost their jobs because of their political stance.

He also claimed that his security aides were withdrawn without explanation, describing the development as disturbing ahead of the APC primary.

The lawmaker, however, appealed to his supporters not to be intimidated and urged party members to ensure a peaceful and transparent primary election process.

“I appeal for a free and fair primary. Nobody should be intimidated,” Elliott said in the video circulating online.

Barakat Declares, Says Aspirants Stepped Down

Meanwhile, Barrister Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, popularly known as BBA, officially declared her ambition during a gathering held at The Stable in Bode Thomas, Surulere.

Speaking at the event, Barakat stated that other aspirants in the race had stepped down to support her ambition, leaving Elliott as the only remaining challenger.

“The others stepped down and are supporting me and they’re all here, but the only person that didn’t step down and insisted on going to the primaries is Hon. Desmond Elliott,” she said.

“I wish him all the best, and I wish myself luck too. I’m praying that on Wednesday, I emerge as the APC candidate.”

Major Blow Hits Elliott’s Camp

The declaration event also witnessed a major political twist after Bless Koye, who served as Director-General of Desmond Elliott’s fourth-term campaign organisation, publicly defected to Barakat’s camp.

Koye openly announced his support for Barakat during the event, a move that immediately sparked reactions among party supporters in Surulere.

Barakat, a lawyer and former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is believed to have secured backing from influential APC stakeholders ahead of the primary.

Primary Battle Tightens

Political observers say the Surulere APC primary has now become one of the most closely watched assembly contests in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While Elliott is banking on his incumbency and political structure within the constituency, Barakat appears to be gaining momentum with endorsements and growing support from party leaders and grassroots mobilisers.

Party members in the constituency have meanwhile been urged to maintain peace as the APC prepares for Wednesday’s direct primary election.

More posts