Odita Sunday 
Nollywood veterans rally behind Desmond Elliot, seek Gbajabiamila’s endorsement
say ” Retaining Desmond Elliot Important for Nollywood,
Prominent veterans of the Nigerian movie industry and residents of Surulere Constituency 1,have appealed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to publicly support the re-election bid of Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, warning against what they described as attempts to abruptly end the political journey of the actor-turned-lawmaker.
The appeal was made during an interactive session with journalists and Nollywood practitioners in Surulere, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 12,2026,where the veterans described Elliot as “one of the strongest bridges between Nollywood and governance” and insisted that his continued stay in the Assembly would further strengthen both Surulere’s political influence and the voice of the creative industry in governance.
The gathering, attended by veteran actors, filmmakers and residents of the constituency, included Zeb Ejiro, Bimbo Manuel, Zik Zulu Okafor, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Chief Emeka Ossai, Fred Amata and Francis Onwochei, among others. They repeatedly stressed the need for Gbajabiamila, regarded as the most influential political figure from Surulere, to openly endorse Elliot’s return to the Assembly.
Reading a joint statement on behalf of the stakeholders, veteran actor and filmmaker Zik Zulu Okafor said the appeal followed “extensive consultations among notable practitioners and leaders within the creative industry.”
According to him: “Honourable Desmond Elliot has served his constituency with humility, compassion, loyalty and measurable impact over the years. Despite his celebrity status, he has remained remarkably connected to the grassroots.
“For us, this goes beyond politics. It is deeply moral, historical and symbolic. Surulere occupies a unique place in the history of the Nigerian creative industry. It remains one of the strongest cultural capitals of Nollywood. Desmond Elliot has, over the years, represented one of the strongest bridges between the creative community and governance.
“We therefore believe that denying him the opportunity to continue his legislative journey at this point would amount to an unfortunate interruption of a political career built on loyalty, sacrifice and service.”
Okafor noted that Elliot’s return to the Assembly could strategically position him for higher legislative responsibilities such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Majority Leader.
“At this stage of his career, a fourth term could strategically position him for higher legislative responsibilities. Such elevation would not only strengthen the voice of Surulere Constituency I, but also give the creative industry a more influential presence within governance,” he said.
In their remarks, Zeb Ejiro and Ralph Nwadike clarified that neither of the veterans was a politician and that their intervention was not politically motivated but rooted in loyalty, continuity and mentorship.
They said : “One thing is clear: Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is the highest-ranking politician from Surulere and he has been a mentor to Desmond Elliot for years. Because of his influence, we are appealing to him to support his political son so that he can return to the House this time around.
“What we are saying is simple. Whatever challenges Desmond Elliot is facing politically, we want his mentor to come out openly and support him. That is the essence of this appeal.”
They added: “There are moments when influential leaders speak and the electorate listens. We want the Rt. Hon. to openly say, ‘This is my boy, I support him.’ That endorsement can make a huge difference.”
The group drew parallels between Elliot’s present political situation and Gbajabiamila’s political journey in the House of Representatives.
“When Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila continued returning to the House of Representatives, many people questioned why he kept going back,” one stakeholder recalled. “But that continuity eventually positioned him to become Speaker. Today, history remembers the developments and transformation that came with his leadership.
“There is no way the history of Surulere will be written without mentioning the impact of Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila. That happened because he was given the opportunity to grow politically. We are saying this is now Desmond Elliot’s own defining moment.”
Also speaking, veteran actor Francis Onwochei defended Elliot’s performance in office, listing several interventions and empowerment programmes allegedly facilitated by the lawmaker across Surulere.
“Many of us here live in Surulere and even have our offices there, so properly speaking, Desmond Elliot is our representative. That means we are able to identify clearly the things he has done.
“I may not have all the records here with me, but I can tell you personally what I have seen. Every year since he got into the House, there have been training programmes for youths in computer studies and vocational skills. At some point, there were vehicles transporting students free of charge within Surulere.
“I know how many people he has sent for workshops and training programmes. I know how many roads and drainage systems have been repaired through his interventions. I know how many transformers have been distributed and how he personally follows up on projects because he relates directly with the grassroots.”
Onwochei described Elliot as one of the few politicians who remained accessible to ordinary people despite his celebrity background.
“People come to him as early as 6 a.m. with health challenges and other problems. He does not turn people away,” he stated. “He has helped countless young and elderly people with medical support. During COVID, he was everywhere ensuring people got relief materials and support.
“We are filmmakers, not politicians. But we are speaking because this is one of us and we can see what he has done for the people.”
The veteran actor also credited Gbajabiamila for the infrastructural transformation witnessed in Surulere during his years in the House of Representatives.
“When Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila became Speaker, Surulere witnessed massive development. Roads were fixed, infrastructure improved and the constituency changed significantly,” he said.
According to him, Elliot had consistently acknowledged Gbajabiamila’s role in the development of Surulere.
“Every other thing Desmond does for the youths, the women and the constituency, he always acknowledges and appreciates Gbajabiamila’s leadership. That is why we are saying this is the time for that mentorship and loyalty to speak again.”
The stakeholders maintained that residents of Surulere Constituency I were already favourably disposed towards Elliot’s return but argued that public endorsement from Gbajabiamila would further strengthen confidence within the political structure.
“The people are already with Desmond. But every politician still needs a platform and the backing of influential leaders within that structure. That is why we are appealing for this endorsement.”
Onwochei, while appealing directly to residents, added: “As we say in my place, when a road is good, you pass through it again. If someone has done well for the people, there is nothing wrong in asking him to continue.
“This is not about politics alone. It is about continuity, loyalty and giving someone the opportunity to grow into greater leadership responsibilities for the benefit of the constituency.”
The veterans noted that since Elliot is one of the few actors-turned-politicians occupying an elective office, retaining him would mean a lot for the creative industry.
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