Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has revealed that he relied on income from his acting career to fund parts of his work while serving in the Lagos State House of Assembly, adding that he never used public office for personal gain.
The Surulere lawmaker disclosed this while reflecting on the financial realities of public service, describing his political journey as one marked by sacrifice rather than personal gain.
According to Elliot, he used money earned during his years in Nollywood to keep his constituency office running throughout his tenure.
Speaking on the challenges he encountered, he said:
“I used my personal funds from my movies to run the office while I was serving as a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency.”
The actor explained that maintaining a constituency office and meeting constituents’ expectations often required significant personal financial commitment, adding that he chose to shoulder some of those responsibilities himself.
Elliot also maintained that his years in politics were motivated by a desire to serve the people rather than accumulate personal wealth.
According to him, holding public office has come with several challenges and sacrifices that many people do not see, and he insists that his experience has been far from financially rewarding.
The lawmaker’s remarks offer a different perspective on life in public office, particularly amid widespread public perception that political positions are primarily avenues for personal enrichment.
Since transitioning from Nollywood into politics, Desmond Elliot has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, combining his legislative duties with his longstanding career in the Nigerian film industry.
Over the years, his political career has attracted both praise and criticism, with some of his public comments and legislative positions generating intense debate on social media.
His latest revelation has also sparked conversations online, with some Nigerians commending what they described as a commitment to public service.
In contrast, others questioned whether elected officials should have to rely on personal income to support constituency operations.
Regardless of the differing reactions, Elliot insists his time in office has been defined by service and sacrifice, saying he was willing to invest his own resources to fulfil his responsibilities as a lawmaker.
