“Desmond Elliot: ‘Surulere Made Me — Now It’s Time to Give Back’ as He Announces 4th Assembly Run”

Desmond Elliot, Nollywood actor and member representing Surulere constituency 1 in the Lagos house of assembly, says he is not done with the suburb that has given him everything. 

On a humid, sunny afternoon in the sweltering Lagos temperatures, Elliot, sporting a blue T-shirt on brown trousers and surrounded by a throng of residents and supporters, declared his intention to run again to represent his constituency.

“Surulere has blessed me. I have studied up to doctorate level in legislative studies, which makes me well-grounded in lawmaking,” he said in an emotion-laden cadence.

Citing “numerous interventions and projects” facilitated through the instrumentality of his ranking status within the Lagos state house of assembly, Elliot said a lot has changed since his first coming.

At a packed stakeholders’ parley which had former Surulere LGA chairman Tajudeen Ajide and other All Progressives Congress (APC) members and loyalists in attendance, Elliot reeled out his scorecard that included over 30 road infrastructure interventions, flood mitigation efforts, healthcare provision, and energy interventions.

“I came to the CDA, which is the party at the local government, and also the community development people, to inform them of my intention to run again to represent the good people of Surulere Constituency I,” he said, amid a surging, vociferous crowd.

“I am overwhelmed by the reception from the CDA, from the local government, from everywhere. It is fantastic. I am very honoured.”

Supporters holding placards with inscriptions such as ‘Experience over Experiment’ had lined Akerele, Shitta, Masha and Benson streets all morning and afternoon, while belting Elliot’s name to the rafters.

A raft of Nollywood actors — from the actor-turned-politician’s primary constituency — were also on the ground.

On Akerele and Benson streets, DOE — initials for Desmond Olushola Eliott — had been engraved on the tarmac.

“Experience cannot be bought. If you start afresh, it takes years to build. So why waste that time when you can continue with tested experience?” he asked.

Highlighting his achievements, Elliot pointed to improvements in flood control across Surulere, attributing the progress to sustained drainage maintenance.

“Flooding used to be a major issue, but last year, you did not hear of flooding in Surulere because we ensured constant desilting of drainage and canals,” he stated.

“Today, power supply in Surulere is more stable. We facilitated metering and supported the establishment of an injection substation through collaboration,” he said.

On healthcare, Elliot said he has sponsored medical outreach programmes, including surgeries and the distribution of medications to residents.

He also pledged to expand job opportunities, leveraging his influence in the entertainment industry.

“Through my platform in Nollywood, I have been able to create opportunities, and I promise to do more,” he said.

The lawmaker further noted that his return to the assembly would strengthen his influence as a ranking member, enabling him to attract more developmental projects to the constituency.

“Experience brings greater capacity. As a ranking member, there are better opportunities to deliver more for my people,” he added.

Elliot’s declaration signals the commencement of intensified political activities in Surulere as stakeholders gear up for the next electoral cycle.

Speaking with journalists in Surulere, Sunny McDonald, a veteran actor popularly known as ‘Ancestor’, said Elliot represents a “winning team” whose performance in office justifies continued support.

“Globally, people say you do not change a winning team. Desmond is a winning team. From the work he has done in Surulere, it is clear he has delivered. We are here to support him and give him a renewed mandate,” McDonald said.

Also speaking, Cornell Udofia, director of communications for the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos state chapter, described Elliot as an experienced leader who deserves another opportunity.

“Desmond has been tested and trusted. With his experience and what he has already achieved, I believe he will deliver even more. Experience cannot be bought in the market,” Udofia said.

He urged residents to vote based on competence and proven performance.

“People should vote for experience, competence, and a credible brand that can further showcase Surulere,” he added.

Highlighting Elliot’s impact, Udofia noted that the lawmaker has contributed significantly to youth empowerment, women development, and support for the less privileged.

“The records are there for everyone to see. He has done well,” he said.

Also, a community leader, Prince Taofeek Dabiri, commended Elliot’s accessibility and responsiveness to needs of constituents.

“He is very accessible. If you reach out to him, he responds and addresses issues. That is what governance is about,” Dabiri said.

According to him, Elliot’s previous terms in the Lagos state house of assembly have been impactful.

“He has done so many things for Surulere. His contributions are countless,” Dabiri said, as a crowd broke into chants and songs in the background.