Nollywood actor and lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliott, has opened up on Nigeria’s political landscape, his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and why he believes switching political camps may not necessarily bring meaningful change.
Speaking during an interview on The Morayo Show, Elliott reflected on leadership, governance and the current state of Nigerian politics.
He also shared his views on why he remains skeptical about politicians moving from one camp to another in search of a better alternative.
The lawmaker defended his record in office, insisting that his years of service in Surulere have delivered visible results, especially in power supply and healthcare.
“My own kind of politician, I don’t steal money, if you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in, but now there’s electricity, healthcare and all”
The interviewer asked: “What do you think is your greatest achievement as a lawmaker in Surulere constituency 1?”
“I’ll say power. If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in.”
“Today, electricity is one of the best you can find anywhere else. Also is having an open door policy. We will all die one day.”
Elliott said public office should not be seen as a position of superiority, stressing that leadership is temporary and should be approached with humility and service.
He noted that many politicians often forget that power is fleeting and can disappear at any moment.
“We are not here forever. This I am saying to all of us politicians. We are not here forever.”
“You are in that particular place for a reason. Not because you are better than the next person. Trust me, there are way better people than you.”
When asked whether he believes he plays politics the right way, the actor-turned-politician admitted he often questions the structure of Nigeria’s political system and whether political defections truly make a difference.
Interviewer: “Do you think you play the politics right?”
“I’m not sure. I ask myself, if I leave Ashiwaju and I go to Obi, what is different from Asiwaju and Obi? If I leave Obi and I go to Atiku, what’s my difference?”
Elliott argued that politics should move beyond personal interests and short-term deals. According to him, Nigeria needs a clearer democratic structure built around long-term national development rather than individual ambitions.
He criticized the culture of transactional politics, where alliances are often driven by personal gain rather than governance or ideology.
“Am I more, let’s cut the deal. Let’s do the deal and let’s go.”
“Or am I more, come, let me give you some money. Let’s see, like the Putin style. We have to define our own style of democracy.”
The lawmaker proposed a long-term political roadmap that would ensure structured leadership rotation and policy continuity across regions.
According to him, such a framework could help reduce political tension and create stability in governance.
“Let’s have a 30 year plan for instance. And say, for the next 5 years, let the West rule. The next 5 years, let the North rule.”
“The next 5 years, let the Central rule. Yet, we’re already following through a particular plan that leads us through 30 years. I’m just giving an idea.”
Elliott also addressed growing criticism of President Tinubu’s administration, admitting that many Nigerians are searching for an alternative political figure capable of challenging the current government.
However, he stated that he has yet to see a leader he considers capable enough to replace Tinubu at this time.
“I’m thinking, okay, who is the next savior that can remove Asiwaju from what he’s doing presently? I cannot see yet.”
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