Desmond Elliot Explains His Political Principles
Nigerian lawmaker Desmond Elliot recently appeared on The Morayo Show, hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, where he opened up about the principles guiding his decision to join politics. The actor-turned-politician, who represents Surulere Constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stated that his approach to public service rules out diverting public funds for personal gain.
During the show, Elliot promised to donate N1 million but admitted he would need to source the money elsewhere because stealing public funds is not part of how he operates. He said: "Honestly, I can only just say, I will look for one millionaire to donate to you. I don't know where I will get the money from because my own kind of politics, I don't steal."
Character Over Religion in Politics
The Nollywood star insisted that his stance has nothing to do with religion but everything to do with character. "Politics has nothing to do with a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Confucianist or whatever. It's just what you sell. And that's the idea," he said. Elliot added that one of his reasons for entering politics was to demonstrate that clean politics is achievable without playing dirty. "One of the reasons I came into politics in the first place is to show that you can actually be clean in politics. You don't have to play the dirty game. You don't."
Elliot also revealed that he marked ten years in politics and ten years in his Christian faith last year, indicating that he did not compromise his faith for political gain.
Social Media Reactions and Criticism
His comments have since sparked heated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning his effectiveness in office. Some users expressed skepticism: @OurFavOnlineDoc asked, "Who does he think he's fooling?" @IamMOOnabanjo blamed those who brought him into politics: "It is not his fault. Naa people wey bring amm into the politics I will blame." @Pdwildtruth noted, "In politics, trust is earned through actions and transparency. People will always question statements that don't match their perceptions."
Others focused on his performance: @Beautifugift remarked, "'I don't steal' isn't the bar. What did you deliver? 12 years in Surulere, and even your own constituents are asking what changed. Honesty isn't the same as effectiveness." @TheTakesRegion criticized the spectacle: "A politician going on TV to deny allegations by promising a donation he admits he can't fund yet. In any other country this would end a career. In Nigerian politics it becomes a viral moment."
Elliot Backs Tinubu for 2027
In a related development, Legit.ng earlier reported that Desmond Elliot ruled out support for Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, declaring his backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
Odunuga-Bakare Defeats Elliot in APC Primary
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Barakat Odunuga-Bakare defeated Desmond Elliot in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. The official collation sheet from the exercise held on May 20 showed that Odunuga-Bakare polled 11,655 votes to defeat the incumbent lawmaker, who secured only 270 votes. Femi Gbajabiamila praised the exercise as peaceful and credible after casting his vote at Ward G2 in Adeniran Ogunsanya.
