Fresh political tension has erupted within the All Progressives Congress in Surulere, Lagos, after the Director-General of Desmond Elliot’s campaign organisation, Bless Koye, publicly withdrew his support for the lawmaker and declared allegiance to another aspirant, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.
Koye announced his decision in a video that quickly gained attention on social media platforms, where he openly stated that he was leaving Elliot’s political structure to join the camp of Odunuga-Bakare ahead of the upcoming political contest in Surulere.
“I’ll decamp from Desmond group to Barakat group,” Koye declared in the video.
The development marks a significant setback for Elliot’s political camp as internal divisions continue to emerge within the party ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026.
The latest defection also comes shortly after Elliot raised concerns over alleged intimidation and political pressure within the Surulere chapter of the ruling party.
In a viral video circulated on Sunday, the Lagos lawmaker accused some unnamed party leaders and local government officials of allegedly attempting to manipulate the political process in favour of a preferred aspirant before the primaries.
According to Elliot, some local government officials were reportedly removed from their positions because they were perceived to be loyal to him.
The actor-turned-politician claimed that the political environment in Surulere had become increasingly tense due to alleged attempts to force party members into supporting certain candidates.
“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what is existing today in Surulere,” Elliot stated.
The unfolding crisis has further intensified political rivalry within the APC in Lagos State as aspirants continue consultations and mobilisation ahead of the primaries.
