Nollywood actor-turned-politician Hon. Desmond Elliot has stirred debate after declaring that he sees no viable successor to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. In a trending video on social media, Elliot also dismissed opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar as lacking any meaningful difference from Tinubu.
Elliot Brags About His Political Record
Appearing as a guest on The Morayo Show, Elliot described himself as a “different kind of politician” who does not steal public funds. He claimed significant improvements in electricity supply in Surulere under his representation in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“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,” he said.
No Clear Successor to Tinubu
Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I, questioned the logic of switching allegiance to opposition candidates. “I ask myself, if I leave Asiwaju 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?” he stated.
He added that he cannot yet identify a “saviour” who can remove Tinubu from his current position. “I’m thinking, okay, who is the next saviour that can remove Asiwaju from what he’s doing presently? I cannot see yet,” he said.
Call for Long-Term Planning
Elliot stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt a structured, long-term political plan. “We have to define our own style of democracy. Let’s have a 30-year plan, for instance,” he said.
He also reminded fellow politicians that public office is temporary. “We will all die one day. 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,” he stated.
Elliot Withdrew from APC Primary
Recall that Elliot initially picked up a nomination form to seek a fourth term but later withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in May 2026, citing intimidation and an unfair process. He subsequently lost the party ticket, ending his bid to represent Surulere Constituency I.
Legit.ng also reported that Elliot publicly apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over what he described as possible offences committed during political activities.
Emotional Farewell in Lagos Assembly
In a separate event, Lagos State Speaker Honourable Mojisola Meranda presided over the House as lawmakers gathered to bid her farewell. Elliot became emotional and was unable to hold back his tears as he was given the floor to speak. The video of his emotional display went viral on social media, drawing reactions from netizens.
