A fresh crisis is brewing within the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that influential party leaders are attempting to impose a preferred aspirant ahead of the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries.
The controversy has heightened tension within the party, with aggrieved stakeholders accusing powerful political interests of undermining internal democracy and plotting to edge out actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott, despite his years of legislative experience and grassroots support.
Some stakeholders alleged that the growing “power arrogance” and political domination linked to the camp of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, must be resisted to preserve internal democracy in Surulere APC.
Speaking during a political discussion monitored by our correspondent, a party stakeholder alleged that the process had already been tilted in favour of a female aspirant even before the commencement of the primaries.
The stakeholder, who said he was only interested in fairness and justice within the APC, insisted that aspirants should be allowed to compete freely rather than be subjected to imposition by powerful political interests.
“Nobody should play God in Surulere politics. The arrogance of power must stop. Party members should be allowed to choose their candidate freely,” he said.
He alleged that appointees and party loyalists were being intimidated and warned that they could lose their appointments if they refused to support the preferred aspirant.
“They are scaring and intimidating people, especially those who hold offices, that if they do not support this lady, their appointments could be withdrawn,” he alleged.
The stakeholder also questioned why some party leaders and council officials were openly campaigning with one aspirant ahead of the primaries.
“How can a council chairman leave his work and be following an aspirant around? Leaders should create a level playing field, not openly take sides,” he said.
He further alleged that there was no genuine consensus arrangement within the Surulere APC, claiming that the political structure had, from the outset, been directed to work for the emergence of the female aspirant.
According to him, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Sharif Balogun, had openly declared support for the aspirant and allegedly instructed ward chairmen and party executives to mobilise for her.
The aggrieved stakeholder also claimed that loyalists backing rival aspirants had been removed from party structures, while others were excluded from empowerment programmes organised within the council.
The controversy has reignited debate over the political future of Desmond Elliott, who is seeking another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
While critics continue to question his performance in office, supporters argue that the attacks against him are politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from becoming a ranking legislator capable of occupying principal positions in the Assembly.
A political commentator familiar with the situation argued that many Nigerians misunderstand the constitutional role of lawmakers, noting that legislators are expected to represent constituents, sponsor bills, move motions and attract development projects, not personally fund major infrastructure.
He referenced a 198-page compendium titled My Surulere and I So Far, which reportedly detailed Elliott’s legislative achievements and constituency interventions.
According to the document, the lawmaker sponsored 11 motions, co-sponsored 42 motions and participated in the passage of 32 bills into law.
The compendium also listed two bills associated with him, the Lagos State Tourism Promotion Agency Bill and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation Bill.
Elliott was also said to have chaired four committees and served on 12 House committees, alongside interventions in infrastructure, health, welfare, sports and entertainment.
Supporters believe the resistance against him may be linked to fears that another term could position him as a ranking member of the Assembly with prospects of contesting for principal offices.
The development has also revived conversations about political succession and godfatherism in Surulere politics, especially comparisons with the political trajectory of Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the constituency multiple times before moving to the presidency.
Some party members argued that if Gbajabiamila was allowed multiple terms in office, it would be unfair to deny Elliott the same opportunity.
According to insiders, attempts to produce a consensus candidate reportedly failed because of strong resistance from supporters of Elliott and other aspirants who insisted on open primaries.
The stakeholder maintained that several aspirants, including another female aspirant identified as Buki Afario and a younger aspirant named Leye, deserved equal opportunities to participate in the race.
“What leadership should do is create a free and fair environment. Let the people decide. If the people don’t want an aspirant, they will reject the person themselves,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Surulere APC leadership, Hon. Sharif Balogun, Femi Gbajabiamila nor Desmond Elliott had officially responded to the allegations.
