APC Primaries Raise Fresh Tension as Desmond Elliot’s Seat Battle Deepens

The ongoing primaries of the All Progressives Congress are raising fresh concerns about internal tension in the ruling party as the 2027 elections draw closer.

What began as a routine contest for party tickets is now exposing deeper disputes over influence, loyalty, endorsement and control of local political structures. 

Across several constituencies, some aspirants and serving lawmakers have complained about alleged favouritism, intimidation and irregularities. 

Reports also show that several sitting lawmakers have already lost tickets in the APC primaries, increasing anxiety within the party.

Desmond Elliot’s Seat Becomes a Flashpoint

One of the most watched contests is in Surulere, Lagos, where actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot is seeking another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I, has alleged intimidation ahead of the APC primary scheduled for May 20, 2026. In a viral video, he accused unnamed officials and party actors of pressuring members to support a preferred aspirant. He also alleged that some local government workers were punished for supporting him.

The lawmaker further claimed that his security aides were withdrawn ahead of the primary, a development that has added to the tension around the contest. His supporters have described the situation as political victimisation, while others see it as part of a wider struggle for control of the Surulere APC structure.

Gbajabiamila Factor and the Backing of a Contender

The controversy has also drawn attention to Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and a major political figure in Surulere.

Some APC stakeholders in Surulere have accused Gbajabiamila’s camp of backing a female aspirant against Elliot. However, this remains an allegation from party sources, and there has been no final independent confirmation that the process has been formally manipulated.

The political strain became more visible after Elliot publicly apologised to Gbajabiamila during a television appearance, saying any offence caused in the course of his political engagements was not intentional. The apology suggested that the relationship between both men had come under pressure, even though Elliot also maintained that he remained committed to party unity.

Why the Primaries Are Causing Trouble in APC

The Surulere dispute reflects a broader challenge within the APC. Party primaries often test the balance between incumbency, loyalty, grassroots support and elite endorsement. When members believe a candidate is being imposed, the process can quickly create resentment.

In this case, Elliot’s allegations of intimidation, the reported withdrawal of his security aides, claims that his supporters were targeted, and accusations that a powerful political camp may be backing another aspirant have turned the Surulere contest into more than a local race.

It has become a test of whether the APC can manage internal competition without creating cracks ahead of 2027.

What This Means for 2027

The APC still has time to resolve these disputes, but the early signs are politically sensitive. Complaints from primaries can weaken party unity if losing aspirants feel shut out or unfairly treated.

As attention shifts to Senate, governorship and presidential primaries, the party will face a bigger test. If it handles the process transparently, it may reduce post-primary anger. But if more aspirants allege intimidation or favouritism, the internal crisis could deepen before the main election season begins.

For now, the Desmond Elliot seat battle has become one of the clearest examples of how local APC primaries can trigger wider political tension.