The streets of Surulere came alive with energy yesterday 30th of April 2026, as veteran lawmaker and celebrated actor Desmond Olusola Elliot formally declared his intention to seek re-election to the Lagos State House of Assembly. Running under the powerful theme “Experience Over Experiment,” Elliot collected his nomination form, underscoring his commitment to continuity and the proven legislative expertise he has built over the past decade-plus.
What began as a formal declaration quickly transformed into a vibrant rally, with thousands of constituents pouring into the venue in a powerful display of grassroots loyalty. Supporters erupted into synchronized chants of “On Desmond Mandate We Stand,” reinforcing the campaign’s central message that the constituency needs a tested and trusted representative. Attendees described the atmosphere as electric — a true “carnival of loyalty” — reflecting the deep bond between Elliot and the people of Surulere Constituency 1.
In his address, Elliot expressed heartfelt gratitude to his political mentor, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I have been mentored by a leader whose compassion knows no bounds,” Elliot said. “My leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, has consistently shown what it means to put the people first. It is that same spirit of service and empathy that I strive to bring to the House of Assembly every single day.”
As a three-term lawmaker since 2015, Elliot has built a solid record of service, currently serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure. In this capacity, he has led critical oversight visits to major state projects, including the Multi-Agency Building Project and the Opebi–Mende Link Bridge, ensuring timely execution and quality delivery.His legislative contributions include amendments to key laws such as the Lagos State Properties Agency (LSPA) Law and support for the Anti-Cultism and Unlawful Societies Bill. He has also championed motions addressing escalating rent rates and land grabbing while actively participating in debates that advance social welfare and urban development.
Elliot’s constituency-focused interventions have delivered tangible results, including:
Expansion of the Desmond Elliot Power Initiative, bringing improved electricity access to underserved areas. Road rehabilitations, drainage systems, and flood prevention measures. Healthcare outreaches, free medical services, and personal support for constituents (including major interventions such as funding life-changing surgeries). Youth empowerment programmes leveraging his Nollywood background to create pathways into the creative industry.
The declaration comes amid intense political speculation. Despite reports of shifting dynamics within the local power structure, Elliot’s camp remains confident, citing the massive turnout and his track record as clear evidence of a “silent majority” that continues to stand firmly behind his decade of service.
The “Experience Over Experiment” Vision
Elliot argues that Surulere’s complex challenges demand seasoned legislative maturity rather than untested experimentation. If re-elected, his priorities will include:
Infrastructure Continuity: Completing ongoing projects and further expanding the Desmond Elliot Power Initiative.
Legislative Influence: Leveraging his ranking status and committee chairmanship to influence bills supporting the creative economy, urban development, and good governance.
Youth & Talent Advocacy: Strengthening institutional pathways for young Nigerians through education support, skills development, and creative industry linkages.
About Desmond Elliot
Desmond Olusola Elliot is a multi-award-winning actor, director, and politician. Since 2015, he has represented Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, rising to Chair the Committee on Works and Infrastructure. He has sponsored and supported bills on social welfare, properties, and anti-cultism, while delivering consistent constituency projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.
