Actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot has dismissed claims that he was rejected by a coalition of stakeholders in Surulere, Lagos State, over his bid for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Desmond spoke to reporters after picking up his nomination form to seek re-election ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reacting to reports by the Surulere Accountability Forum, he described the claims as propaganda.
“I don’t know them. It’s just political propaganda. You can see for yourself. I only came to declare to the CDA, and you can see for yourself,” he said.
Desmond also defended his decision to seek another term, noting that experience in the legislature can translate into more benefits for constituents.
The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I further appealed to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, asking for forgiveness.
“Our leader is a compassionate leader. A leader of thought. We are children. Children sometimes err. If I have erred in any way, my leader, I am sorry. Give me another chance, and let’s move on, and let’s bring more dividends of democracy to the people.
“Although he has not said that I have erred, I’m just saying that if I have, then this is the situation,” he said.
Earlier in the month, the Surulere Accountability Forum made its position known in a statement issued by its spokesman, Olanrewaju Badmus, criticising Desmond’s performance in office.
The group said his three terms had not delivered satisfactory results, alleging a lack of creativity and drive to address infrastructure decay, youth unemployment and inadequate primary healthcare.
“We are not opposed to any individual on principle, but we refuse to endorse continued leadership that has not produced tangible improvements for our wards. Three terms should have produced clear, measurable progress,” the statement read.
The group also called for renewed commitment to people centred representation.
Desmond, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has represented Surulere Constituency I since 2015 after winning his first election into the Lagos assembly. He was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
Before joining politics, Desmond built a career in Nollywood, featuring in several films and television productions. He transitioned into public office in 2015, aligning with the APC in Lagos, where he has remained a prominent figure in Surulere politics.
