“Oshiomhole Took Me to Tinubu” — Desmond Elliot on His Political Entry
Actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot has revealed that former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole was the key figure who introduced him to the world of politics and ultimately to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, Elliot shared the moment that changed his political career:
“One day, Oshiomhole took me to Asiwaju and said, ‘This is my son, and he’s interested in politics.’ Asiwaju looked at me and said he knew me already and liked me it was still a surprise to me.”
On 2023 Elections: “I Was Hurt by the Veterans Who Endorsed Him”
Elliot, who won re-election to represent Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, also reflected on the challenge posed by fellow actor Olumide Oworu during the 2023 elections.
While emphasizing that he held no grudges against Oworu, he admitted feeling disappointed by some of his senior colleagues in Nollywood who publicly backed his opponent.
“I wasn’t upset with him,” Elliot said. “I was hurt by the veterans who endorsed him.”
Near Miss During #EndSARS and the “Children” Controversy
Desmond also revealed a harrowing moment during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, stating he narrowly escaped an attack by unknown assailants.
The #EndSARS movement, which called for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad over abuses and killings, became a pivotal moment in his political life.
As a sitting lawmaker, Elliot came under fire after referring to Nigerian youths as “children” during a session of the Lagos Assembly a remark that sparked widespread outrage and trended online.
