Fresh tensions have erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere following allegations that influential party figures are attempting to impose a preferred aspirant ahead of the Lagos state house of assembly primaries.
The controversy has reportedly widened divisions within the party, with some stakeholders accusing powerful political interests of undermining internal democracy and working to edge out actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott despite his years in the Lagos State House of Assembly and perceived grassroots support.
Some aggrieved party members also alleged that what they described as the growing “power arrogance” associated with the political camp of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, must be resisted to preserve fairness within the Surulere APC structure.
Speaking during a political discussion monitored by our correspondent, a party stakeholder alleged that the process had already been skewed in favour of a female aspirant before the commencement of the primaries.
The stakeholder, who said his interest was strictly based on fairness and justice within the party, argued that aspirants should be allowed to contest freely without interference from powerful political blocs.
“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 further alleged that political appointees and party loyalists were being intimidated to support the preferred aspirant or risk losing their appointments.
“They are scaring people and intimidating people, especially those who have offices, that if you do not support this lady, your appointment can be removed,” he alleged.
The stakeholder also questioned why some party leaders and local government officials were openly seen campaigning alongside 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 claimed there was no genuine consensus arrangement within the Surulere APC, alleging that the political machinery had already been directed to work towards 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 emergence.
The aggrieved stakeholder also alleged that loyalists supporting rival aspirants had been removed from party structures, while others were excluded from empowerment programmes organised within the local government.
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the political future of Desmond Elliott, who is reportedly seeking another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
While critics continue to question his performance in office, supporters insist that the attacks against him are politically motivated and aimed at stopping him from becoming a ranking legislator with the potential to occupy principal positions within the Assembly.
A political commentator familiar with the situation argued that many Nigerians misunderstand the constitutional role of lawmakers, stressing that legislators are primarily expected to represent constituents, sponsor bills, move motions, and facilitate development projects rather than personally fund major infrastructure.
The commentator referenced a 198-page compendium titled My Surulere and I So Far, which reportedly documented Elliott’s legislative record and constituency interventions.
According to the document, Elliott sponsored 11 motions, co-sponsored 42 motions, and participated in the passage of 32 bills into law.
The compendium also listed two bills linked to him — the Lagos State Tourism Promotion Agency Bill and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation Bill.
He 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 opposition to his re-election may be connected to concerns that another term could strengthen his influence within the Assembly and position him for principal offices.
The development has further revived discussions around political succession and godfatherism in Surulere politics, particularly comparisons with the political trajectory of Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the constituency for several terms before his appointment as Chief of Staff to the President.
Some party members argued that if Gbajabiamila was allowed multiple terms in office, it would be unfair to deny Elliott the same political opportunity.
According to insiders, attempts to adopt a consensus candidate reportedly failed following 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 contest.
“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.
