Desmond Elliot insists he has not stolen since entering politics

Nollywood actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot has stated that he has not stolen public funds or enriched himself through his political position. He made this clear during his appearance on The Morayo Show on Tuesday. Elliot has spent over ten years in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Mr Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I, shared his thoughts on his political journey, public service, electoral challenges, and the issues facing Nigeria’s democracy. His comments came after Christian Widows & Widowers Empowered (CWWE), led by Beatrice Yesufu, highlighted the struggles of widows and widowers in Nigeria.

Feeling moved by the organization’s efforts, Mr Elliot promised to support them financially. "I will look for N1 million to donate to you. I don’t know where I will get the money from because, in my own kind of politics, I don’t steal. And that is the truth; I don’t steal," he said.

The 51-year-old politician faced a political challenge recently when he did not get the ticket from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another term. He lost to Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the candidate supported by Femi Gbajabiamila, who is President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff. Additionally, a group called the Surulere Accountability Forum opposed Mr Elliot’s re-election bid, calling his past three terms unsatisfactory.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Elliot, who runs Denziot Productions, was first elected in 2015 under the APC and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

Politics without corruption

Mr Elliot explained that one reason he entered politics was to show that public office can be held without corruption. "One of the reasons I came into politics is to show that you can be clean in politics. You don’t have to play the dirty game," he said.

He mentioned that his Christian faith guides his behavior in public service. "Last year, I celebrated 10 years of being in Christ and in politics. We are human and can make mistakes, but God’s grace has been sufficient."

The lawmaker added that his time in public service would mean little if it did not help ordinary Nigerians. "I have been in politics for 12 years now, and if I have not been able to touch the lives of people, what am I looking for there?" he asked.

Inspired by Abiola

Mr Elliot traced his political interest back to the 1990s, crediting the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola for inspiring him. He became politically aware during the June 12 era by reading newspapers and following Abiola’s campaign for democracy.

"It all started in the mid-1990s when MKO Abiola was running. I read so much about politics. I bought PM News almost every day and followed political developments closely," he said.

Despite his success in Nollywood, he felt something was missing. "When I got into movies, I still didn’t feel fulfilled. I felt something was missing. I believed I needed to give more."

His political journey picked up in 2006 when he met former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who introduced him to President Bola Tinubu.

Actor versus politician

Mr Elliot recognized that politics is very different from the glamorous life of Nollywood. He said that the realities of public service made him aware of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, including widows, widowers, and vulnerable families.

"As an actor, it is a feel-good life, almost like a fairy tale. But when you come into real life and meet people who are suffering, you begin to understand the depth of their pain," he said.

He stressed that effective representation needs direct interaction with constituents and a willingness to solve everyday problems. The lawmaker also noted that many Nigerians lack understanding of governance and democratic processes.

Achievements and sacrifices

Discussing his achievements, Mr Elliot mentioned electricity projects, accessibility for constituents, and social interventions. He pointed out that although lawmakers in Lagos State do not have constituency allowances, he has supported vulnerable residents.

"We do not have constituency allowances in the Lagos Assembly, but I made sure I paid half the cost of prepaid electricity meters for widows and widowers in my constituency," he said.

Mr Elliot also moved from Ajah to Surulere to stay close to the people he represents. "What I want politicians to know is that we are not here forever. One day, we will die. I want people to remember me for what I did, not for what I stole," he added.

Why politicians steal

When asked why corruption continues in Nigeria, Mr Elliot said many politicians steal because they feel uncertain about their futures. He explained that some officials save money out of fear of losing power or relevance.

"Politicians realize that their bosses can turn on them. So they begin to keep money for themselves and their families because they are insecure about their offices," he said.

"But I did not keep for myself, and by God’s grace I will not beg for food, but by God’s grace I will not beg tomorrow."

Election loss and democracy

Reflecting on his recent election loss, Mr Elliot said it tested his resilience and faith. He is currently writing a book titled How to Lose an Election, where he plans to share lessons from his political journey.

He believes Nigeria needs a long-term development plan that goes beyond elections and party politics. He called for a Nigerian-style democracy focused on continuity, accountability, and a national vision that spans different administrations.

"I never stole. Why would I steal? When I leave Surulere, I want people to remember me for what I did, not what I stole," he said.

Mr Elliot also stated that after the party primaries, he began fasting and left everything to God, saying he had never lost an election. While discussing bending bridges, he added, "As a well-brought-up Yoruba boy, your senior is never the wrong one. I will keep apologizing till my father says okay, maybe I must have done something wrong."