I don’t steal in my politics, Desmond Elliot

Actor and politician Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, says he is in politics to serve, not to enrich himself. He insists that he does not steal from public funds.

He spoke during an interview on The Morayo Brown Show on Tuesday. He shared his thoughts on leadership, governance, and his journey in politics.

Elliot's comments came after an appeal from Christian Widows & Widowers Empowered, a charity founded by Beatrice Yesufu. They were on the show to discuss the challenges faced by widows and widowers in Nigeria.

“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.

When discussing the issue of corruption in Nigeria, Elliot said many politicians become greedy because they worry about their future in office. He believes this fear makes them hoard wealth for themselves and their families.

“Politicians realise 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 stated.

He added, “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.”

Elliot reminded politicians that power is temporary.

“We will all die one day. We are not here forever. This I am saying to all of us politicians, we are not here forever. You were 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 said.

Elliot highlighted his achievements, noting that improving electricity supply in Surulere Constituency I is his biggest success.

“Power is my greatest achievement as a lawmaker in Surulere Constituency I.

“If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in. Today, there is electricity, healthcare and all. 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 explained.

He also called for a political system that fits Nigeria's unique situation instead of copying others.

“We have to define our own style of democracy,” he said.

“Let’s have a 30-year plan, for instance, and say for the next five years, let the west rule, the next five years let the north rule, the next five years let the central rule. Yet we are already following through a particular plan that leads us to 30 years. I’m just giving an idea.”

On Nigeria's political future, Elliot mentioned that he has not seen anyone who can replace President Bola Tinubu.

“I’m thinking, okay, who is the next saviour that can remove Asiwaju from what he is doing? Presently, I cannot see yet,” he said.

Elliot started his political career in 2014 when he announced he would run for the Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress. He was first elected in 2015 and has been re-elected since then.