In a dramatic turn during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Surulere I Constituency, veteran Nollywood actor and three-term Lagos State House of Assembly member, Hon. Desmond Elliot, has publicly accused party officials of widespread intimidation and voter suppression.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon, Elliot posted a raw video from the polling unit showing chaotic scenes behind a chain-link fence. Supporters are seen shouting, waving accreditation slips, and desperately trying to gain entry as the lawmaker claims they were blocked from even being accredited, let alone casting votes.
Watch Video Here.
“There were clear cases of intimidation across different polling units, and my supporters were denied access to accreditation — let alone voting. This is not democracy.” — Hon. Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) #apcprimaries
The nearly 76-second video, which has already racked up tens of thousands of views, captures Elliot in a white traditional outfit and sunglasses speaking directly to the camera. In the background, a large crowd of his supporters presses against the green fence, some visibly frustrated and vocal. Overlaid text in the clip reads: “ACTUAL INTIMIDATION AT APC PRIMARIES IN SURULERE! DESMOND’S SUPPORTERS WERE NOT ALLOWED IN FOR ACCREDITATION – LET ALONE VOTING.”
Elliot, who has represented Surulere I since 2015 and is seeking another term, described the situation as a clear breach of democratic principles. He pointed to what he called deliberate tactics to lock out genuine voters while allowing others inside the voting arena.
The video was shared online before he eventually redrew from the race.
