2027: Desmond Elliot, Adelabu, others Complaints Show APC Primary Crisis — Akande

Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has raised concerns over the conduct of the ongoing primary elections within the ruling All Progressives Congress, saying recent complaints by prominent party figures reveal deepening internal crises and growing disregard for democratic principles. Akande made the remarks during the “My Take” segment of Inside Sources aired on Channels Television […]

Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has raised concerns over the conduct of the ongoing primary elections within the ruling All Progressives Congress, saying recent complaints by prominent party figures reveal deepening internal crises and growing disregard for democratic principles.
Akande made the remarks during the “My Take” segment of Inside Sources aired on Channels Television on Sunday, where he reflected on the state of internal democracy in the country’s political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the broader issue of democracy and political participation, Akande stressed the need for Nigerians to continue defending civilian rule despite its imperfections.
“We should also say the civilians are better than the military. When is it democracy? It’s an important conversation even at this time as party primaries wrapping up across the country,” he said.
Akande particularly referenced the situation involving Lagos lawmaker and actor, Desmond Elliot, describing the developments around the APC primaries in Lagos as troubling.
“Look at what is happening to Desmond Elliot in Lagos. The young man laboured so hard to get a traction from the grassroot winning their confidence and trust,” he stated.
He further alleged that Elliot faced political hostility from powerful figures within the party structure.
“And while his godfather, the president’s Chief of Staff threw him under the bus, Elliot was stil struggling to hold his own without responding in kind to the backhand of Mr Femi Gbajabiamila just so close to the primaries,” Akande said.
The former presidential spokesman also referred to allegations made by Elliot concerning the conduct of the primary exercise.
“On the day of the primaries, Elliot has to cry out that his supporters were disallowed from participating in the election. He had alleged earlier that some amongst his backers who had government jobs were even being threatened,” he added.
Akande said the complaints emerging from different states suggest that even long-established political figures within the APC are now becoming victims of the same political machinery they once benefited from.
“What about the many tales from establishment figures especially from Senator Gbenga Daniel? Shouldn’t those who seek equity come with clean hands? Even himself, His Excellency Gbenga Daniels has become a victim,” he said.
The former aide also praised former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for speaking about the importance of legality and due process within the political system.
“I am delighted that at least one presidential aspirant is talking about the rule of law – that is His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi,” Akande noted.
Turning to the controversy surrounding the APC governorship primary in Oyo State, Akande questioned the credibility of the reported voting figures in the contest involving former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
“Adebayo Adelabu, former CBN deputy governor and former minister of power, is also in lamentation mode,” he said.
“And you will understand that in a rathe curious primary where some reports quoted that over 500,000 people voted for Senator Sharafa Alli, Adelabu’s main rival in the APC Oyo guber primaries. Yet, the whole registered members of APC in Oyo state is said to be less than 200,000. Where did he get 500,000 votes?” Akande queried.
The comments come amid increasing tensions and allegations of manipulation, intimidation and irregularities surrounding party primaries across several states as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the controversies may further fuel debates over internal democracy, transparency and the influence of powerful political interests within major parties.