Desmond Elliot Alleges Intimidation, Rejects Controversial APC Primary Results

The Nigerian political landscape is currently marked by significant tensions and controversies, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. These dynamics highlight ongoing battles for political control and the influence of 'godfathers' in party processes.
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship primary amid escalating political tension with his predecessor, a move that has sparked fresh conversations about power struggles and alliances. This situation is part of a deepening crisis involving figures like Wike and Fubara, with reports of PDP members defecting to the APC.
Across the country, the APC primaries have been contentious, with incidents of violence and disputed results. In Lagos, supporters clashed over alleged irregularities in the Kosofe Federal Constituency. Actor and politician Desmond Elliot also faced a tumultuous primary experience.
Initially, reports emerged that Desmond Elliot had announced his withdrawal from the race for Surulere Constituency I due to alleged intimidation, only for him to later deny having stepped down. Following the primary election, Elliot unequivocally rejected the outcome, stating he would challenge the results through the party's internal appeal process. He lost the ticket for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly to Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, who secured 11,385 votes compared to Elliot's 270. Odunuga-Bakare is widely believed to have the backing of President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Elliot voiced his dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primary. He insisted on leveraging the party’s appeal structure, emphasizing that it was "not a do-or-die affair" and that his intention was to serve the people. Elliot alleged that the primary was marred by intimidation and violence, claiming that some of his supporters were injured and prevented from entering the voting venue. He questioned the legitimacy of the process, particularly concerns about a rapid halt to voting and the verification of membership cards, asserting that proper verification was not allowed.
Further highlighting the issues within the primaries, reactions trailed a viral video showing women speaking Hausa protesting after allegedly being paid just N1,000 to participate in the candidate selection process. Separately, popular personality Cubana Chief Priest trended online after claiming President Bola Tinubu did not trust him due to his previous support for Peter Obi and his Igbo identity, prompting heated online discussions about political loyalty and shifting alliances.
Beyond the political arena, various other significant events are unfolding nationally. In the business sector, Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, have significantly raised ticket prices, with some domestic routes exceeding N200,000. This surge is attributed to soaring jet fuel costs and increasing debt pressures within the aviation industry.
On the security front, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a substantial discovery, uncovering what officials described as Nigeria's largest meth lab. The facility, located deep inside Ogun State, was allegedly operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel. This development coincided with an announcement from the United States Africa Command about the interception of a 35-ton cocaine shipment, valued at $1 billion, which was reportedly headed for West Africa.
Social and community issues also captured attention. In Oyo State, traditional worshippers performed spiritual interventions following the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area. Meanwhile, in Ebonyi, outrage continued after two teachers were suspended subsequent to a viral video exposing deplorable classroom conditions. Amid these developments, Nigerian Arsenal fans celebrated extensively across social media following their club's triumph in the Premier League. In arts and culture, Cynthia Erivo received an MBE, one of the United Kingdom's highest honors, in recognition of her contributions to the arts.
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