Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot is pushing back against mounting criticism as he confirms his intention to return to the Lagos State House of Assembly for a fourth term.
Speaking to reporters after picking up his nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections, the Surulere Constituency I representative dismissed claims that he had been rejected by a local coalition of stakeholders, describing the reports as politically motivated.
“I don’t know them. It’s just political propaganda,” he said, brushing aside statements from the Surulere Accountability Forum, which had earlier criticised his performance and opposed his re-election bid.
The controversy stems from a recent statement issued by the group’s spokesman, Olanrewaju Badmus, where they questioned Elliot’s impact after three consecutive terms in office. The forum argued that his tenure had not produced the level of development expected, pointing to concerns around infrastructure, youth unemployment, and primary healthcare.
However, Elliot maintains that experience remains a valuable asset in governance. According to him, continuity in the legislature can translate into more effective representation and better outcomes for constituents over time.
Beyond addressing the criticism, the lawmaker also made a notable appeal to Femi Gbajabiamila, a key political figure in Lagos and former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In a tone that blended humility with political messaging, Elliot asked for understanding, acknowledging that he may have made mistakes along the way.
“Our leader is compassionate. We are children, and children sometimes err. If I have erred in any way, I am sorry. Give me another chance, and let’s move forward,” he said.
While he clarified that Gbajabiamila had not directly accused him of wrongdoing, the statement appeared aimed at reinforcing loyalty and seeking continued political backing within the party structure.
Elliot, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has represented Surulere Constituency I since 2015, securing re-election in both 2019 and 2023. His political journey followed a successful career in Nollywood, where he built a strong public profile before transitioning into public service.
The current situation highlights a familiar dynamic in Nigerian politics, where incumbents often face increasing scrutiny with each term, especially from civic groups demanding measurable progress.
For Elliot, the path to a fourth term is shaping up to be more contested, with critics calling for change while he leans on experience and party alignment as key strengths.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, the debate around his candidacy reflects broader questions about performance, accountability, and the expectations placed on long serving public officials.
