Crisis Deepens In Surulere APC Over Alleged Candidate Imposition

A fresh crisis is brewing within the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos over claims that some party leaders are plotting to impose a preferred aspirant ahead of the state’s House of Assembly primaries.

This development has increased tensions within the party, with aggrieved members accusing influential political figures of undermining internal democracy and attempting to sideline incumbent lawmaker and actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott despite his legislative achievements and grassroots support.

Some of the stakeholders, who don’t want their names mentioned, claimed that the ‘‘arrogance of power’’ associated with Femi Gbajabiamila’s political camp must be challenged to safeguard democratic principles within the party.

They alleged that the process had already been skewed in favour of a female aspirant before the primaries officially began.

The source explained that the concern was not about backing any specific candidate but about ensuring fairness in the selection process.

“Nobody should play God in Surulere politics. The arrogance of power must stop. Party members should be allowed to choose their candidate freely,” one of the stakeholders said.

The source further claimed that appointees and loyal party members were being coerced into supporting the preferred aspirant.

“They are intimidating people, especially officeholders, threatening to revoke their appointments if they do not support this lady,” the source alleged.

The stakeholder also questioned why some party leaders and council officials were openly campaigning for one aspirant before the primary election.

Specifically, the source alleged that the Surulere Local Government chairman, Hon. Sharif Balogun, had openly endorsed the aspirant and mobilised ward executives in her favour, while loyalists of rival aspirants were allegedly removed from party structures and excluded from empowerment programmes.

This controversy has once again highlighted concerns about Elliott’s political future as he seeks another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, with supporters arguing that opposition to him is politically motivated.

Party insiders stated that efforts to produce a consensus candidate failed due to resistance from Elliott’s supporters and other aspirants, including Buki Afario and Leye, who insisted on open primaries.

At the time of filing this report, none of the Surulere APC leadership, Hon. Sharif Balogun, Femi Gbajabiamila or Desmond Elliott had reacted to the claims.