Nollywood actor turned politician Desmond Elliot has opened up about the emotional toll of the 2023 elections, revealing he was deeply hurt—not by his opponent—but by veteran colleagues who publicly endorsed actor Olumide Oworu, his rival for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Elliot recounted how his political journey began back in 2015 with the support of Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State governor, who introduced him to President Bola Tinubu.
“One day, Oshiomhole took me to Asiwaju and said, ‘This is my son, and he is interested in politics.’ Asiwaju saw me, said he knew me, and that I was like a son to him. He just liked me, I was still surprised,” Elliot shared.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Elliot said he wasn’t upset that Olumide contested against him, but he couldn’t hide his disappointment in some Nollywood veterans who threw their support behind the younger actor.
“I wasn’t upset with him, I was hurt by the veterans who endorsed him,” he said.
Desmond Elliot also revisited the turbulent times during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, recalling a terrifying moment when he narrowly escaped an attack during the unrest. He said he was trapped in his Surulere constituency office due to the government-imposed curfew and feared for his safety.
The actor-turned-lawmaker was heavily criticised during the protests after a viral video captured him referring to Nigerian youths as “children” during a legislative session—a comment that sparked online outrage and made him a trending target for internet memes.
Despite the backlash, Elliot continues to serve as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency 1.
By Ezinne Okorie.
