Veteran Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has suffered a major political blow after losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Surulere Constituency I, effectively ending his hopes of securing a fourth consecutive term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The three-term lawmaker, who has represented the constituency since 2015, was defeated during the party’s internal selection process amid growing resistance from local stakeholders and rival aspirants within the constituency.
The outcome marks a dramatic turn for the once-popular actor whose political career has increasingly faced criticism in recent years.
Desmond Elliot first entered politics under the ruling APC in 2015 after building a successful acting and production career in Nigeria’s booming Nollywood industry.
Over the years, he became one of the most recognizable entertainers to transition into public office in Nigeria.
However, his latest attempt to retain the Surulere Constituency I seat reportedly faced stiff opposition from a coalition of party members, youth groups, and community stakeholders who argued that the constituency needed fresh leadership.
Critics accused the legislator of being disconnected from grassroots concerns and failing to adequately address pressing issues affecting residents.
According to local Nigerian media reports, tensions had been building for months ahead of the APC primary, with several aspirants openly challenging Elliot’s fourth-term ambition.
Despite the mounting pressure, the actor-politician had insisted he would not withdraw from the race and vowed to see the process through to the end.
His defeat now signals the end of his immediate stay at the Lagos State House of Assembly unless future political opportunities emerge.
The loss also reignited conversations online about Elliot’s controversial political moments during his time in office.
One of the most memorable incidents came during the 2020 #EndSARS protests when a video of the lawmaker speaking at the Lagos Assembly went viral. In the speech, he criticized the role of social media in spreading violence and misinformation, comments that triggered widespread backlash from Nigerian youths.
Many young Nigerians accused him of being out of touch with the struggles facing ordinary citizens, and the criticism significantly affected his public image, particularly among younger voters and online audiences.
Despite the backlash over the years, Elliot maintained loyal support from sections of the APC establishment and managed to retain his seat during previous elections.
His latest defeat, however, suggests shifting political dynamics within Surulere and growing demands for generational change in local leadership.
Beyond politics, Desmond Elliot remains one of Nollywood’s most recognizable figures, having featured in and produced numerous Nigerian films and television projects over the past two decades.
His transition from entertainment to governance had initially been viewed as a success story for celebrity participation in politics.
Political observers in Lagos say the outcome of the APC primary could reshape political alignments in Surulere ahead of the next general elections, especially considering the constituency’s strategic importance within Lagos politics.
While Elliot has not publicly issued a detailed statement following the defeat, supporters and critics alike continue to debate his political legacy and whether he could stage a comeback in future elections.
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