Desmond Elliot says he does not steal as the Lagos lawmaker discusses corruption, governance, Surulere development and President Tinubu
Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has declared that he does not steal public funds, insisting that his journey in politics has been guided by service and a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents rather than personal enrichment.
The member representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly made the remarks during an interview on Tuesday’s edition of The Morayo Brown Show, where he spoke about leadership, governance, corruption and Nigeria’s political future.
Elliot made the statement while responding to an appeal by Christian Widows & Widowers Empowered, a non-profit organisation founded by Beatrice Yesufu, which appeared on the programme to draw attention to the challenges faced by widows and widowers across the country.
Offering support to the organisation, the lawmaker pledged to make a personal donation despite what he described as financial constraints.
“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,” Elliot said.
The comments have drawn attention because of ongoing national conversations around transparency, accountability and public trust in political office holders.
Explaining his views on corruption in the political system, Elliot suggested that insecurity about political survival often influences the behaviour of some public officials.
According to him, many politicians accumulate wealth because they fear losing their positions and influence unexpectedly.
“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 said.
Reflecting on his own approach, Elliot maintained that he had chosen a different path.
“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,” he added.
The lawmaker also urged political leaders to recognise the temporary nature of power and public office.
“We will all die one day. We are not here forever,” he said.
“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.”
Discussing his record in office, Elliot identified improvements in electricity supply as one of the most significant achievements of his tenure representing Surulere Constituency I.
He argued that the area has witnessed substantial progress over the past decade in infrastructure and social services.
“Power is my greatest achievement as a lawmaker in Surulere Constituency I,” he said.
“If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in. Today, there is electricity, healthcare and all. Electricity is one of the best you can find anywhere else.”
Beyond local development, Elliot advocated a governance model that reflects Nigeria’s unique realities rather than relying solely on systems borrowed from other countries.
“We have to define our own style of democracy,” he said.
As an example, he suggested the possibility of adopting a long-term political framework designed to promote inclusiveness and continuity in governance across different regions of the country.
While acknowledging that the proposal was only an idea, he stressed the importance of developing sustainable national plans that transcend individual administrations.
On national politics, Elliot also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he currently does not see a political figure capable of displacing the President’s leadership position.
“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’s political career began in 2014 when he declared his intention to contest for the Surulere Constituency I seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
He was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 and has subsequently secured re-election.
Over the years, the former actor has remained one of the most recognisable figures to transition from Nigeria’s entertainment industry into public office, often attracting public attention for his views on governance, development and national issues.
His latest remarks add to ongoing discussions about political accountability, leadership responsibility and the expectations Nigerians place on elected officials at all levels of government.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
