Nollywood legend Desmond Elliot battles to retain Lagos Assembly seat

Barely 24 hours to the March 18 governorship and House of Assembly polls, a Nollywood legend, Desmond Elliot, the incumbent Lagos State Assembly member, representing Surulere Constituency I, is slugging it out with youthful Nigerians in the state who have repeatedly vowed to retire the popular actor.

The foremost actor, it has been gathered, has been panicking about his fate as he locks horns with ‘Generation Z’, a phrase describing the youthful generation. He is battling with his junior colleague Olumide Oworu ,also popularly known as Tari of The Johnsons fame.  

Less than a week ago, Elliot issued a statement begging for forgiveness from Nigerian youths over his famous derogatory comment against them.

Elliot’s troubles began after he called for the regulation of social media shortly after the EndSARS protest.

The lawmaker, who supported the call for the regulation of social media while speaking at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said there was a need to address certain things like “the Nigerian youth, the social media, and the social influencers.”

He had lamented the “gross misconduct of youths, especially those who make mockery of the government’s abilities to protect its citizens.”

Elliot had described the EndSARS protests in the country as an action of “children”.

He had said Nigeria may not exist if social media space is not regulated.

Piqued   by the statement, the lawmaker received heavy backlash from the youths who promised to vote him out, should he seek re-election.

Elliot, however, apologised, saying his reaction was due to the destruction and looting of businesses he witnessed in his constituency.

But his apology has proven inadequate to mend the shattered relationship with the youths of the country.

The youth, who came out with much enthusiasm and voted for Peter Obi which led to his victory in Lagos State, are now supporting the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Oworu.

Oworu, who is a member of Obidient movement, said his passion for youth development inspired his decision to delve into politics.

According to him, he wants to be given the opportunity to make a meaningful change in the country.

In an attempt to woo voters in the state, Desmond Elliot gifted his constituency transformers a few days to the state elections.

However, while so many Nigerians praised the lawmaker, others chastised him for waiting until election season to remember his constituency, adding that it is not an act of genuine goodness.

In spite of his apologies, Elliott has been receiving a barrage of criticisms, telling him that he will soon be retired for his actions and comments against the youths. Here are some of the comments:

”Desmond Elliot donated “eight” transformers to his constituency (Surulere), he’s been commissioning toilets & building substandard bridges since, but just a few days to election he remembers that his constituency needs electricity. All this to win election. He’s such a disgrace.” @DanielRegha

,”We will replace Desmond Elliot with Olumide on Saturday, March 18, 2023! They are both running for Surulere Constituency 1 seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obidients, this is a key race and LP MUST WIN! Vote Ellu P TOP to BOTTOM.” @JaypeeGeneral.

Will he retain his seat? Tomorrow will tell.