By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliott, has expressed gratitude over the massive show of support from residents and party faithful ahead of the All Progressives Congress primaries, saying he was overwhelmed by the turnout.

Speaking during ward tour in Surulere constituency 1, Elliott said the crowd demonstrated that the people still believed in his representation and accessibility.

“I am overwhelmed and very honoured. People left their places of work just to come out and support what we are doing. They know I cannot do everything, but they can see that I remain accessible,” he said.
The lawmaker said democratic governance works best when powers are devolved across all levels of government, adding that representatives at local, state and federal levels must ensure development reaches their communities.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made governance more effective by ensuring elected representatives contribute directly to development within their constituencies.

Elliott stated that continuity in legislative representation was important, noting that experienced lawmakers were often able to attract more projects and opportunities to their constituencies.

He referenced the impact of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying residents witnessed increased development in Surulere during his years in office.

“Our people need more jobs, employment and better healthcare. Instead of starting from the beginning again, we are saying we already understand the process and should apply the knowledge to further develop Surulere,” he said.

The lawmaker also pointed to infrastructural improvements in the area, including roads, healthcare facilities, education, security and electricity, describing them as products of lobbying and effective representation.

Appealing to APC members and residents, Elliott urged them not to be intimidated during the party primaries.

“To every Surulere resident, do not be afraid. Come out on May 21 and vote for the candidate of your choice,” he added.

He further appreciated party leaders and supporters who accompanied him on the ward visits, including former council chairman, Tajudeen Ajide; former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Kabiru Lawal, also known as Caesar; and Hon. Baruwa, describing their support as encouraging.

A supporter, Enyeribe Sharon, expressed confidence in Elliott’s chances, insisting that he remained close to the people.

“Desmond is the key to getting the people to vote. This is his third term and if he did not perform well, people would not still be supporting him,” he said.

He also dismissed concerns over party structure, maintaining that APC members backing Elliott possessed valid party cards and were prepared to participate in the primaries.

According to him, the crowd turnout during what he described as a simple ward visitation reflected the level of grassroots support the lawmaker enjoys.

Former lawmaker, Kabiru Lawal, also commended Elliott’s connection with residents, describing leadership as service rooted in sincerity and openness.

“When you open your heart to the people, they accept you. Leadership is about serving the people with your heart and soul.

“I accept the leadership of Femi Gbajabiamila, but oftentimes, not everything said by a leader is right. As he usually says, both publicly and privately, I speak my mind.

“A leader is human and can never be perfect, so God uses those close to him as a corrective measure. I am one of those God is using for our leader, but they did not allow him to listen.

“We who love Desmond Elliott need a lot of prayers because we do not have what it takes to face the situation on the ground. Is it money or connections that we have like them?

“But God can turn a powerful person into a coward if He so wills, and that is what we rely on, that God will turn cowards into powerful men, given our plain hearts.

“They say the ticket was taken from Kabiru Lawal for Desmond, and at that time, Kabiru was doing quite well. It is true, but there was a reason for it.

“Most people who knew Desmond knew him through television. He was not a politician then, so nobody knew what it would produce for us. But today, I say boldly that Desmond, who came into office then, has performed better than Kabiru Lawal.

“There is nothing I want from you that the leader cannot give me ten times over, but I think about my children, my grandchildren and the day I will meet my creator.

“If it was Lukmon Oyewole Lawal that the leader brought to replace Desmond, I would have advised Desmond to step aside because of Lukmon’s antecedents.

“He is not holding any elective office, but we know what he is doing for the people. But the Barakat you are being asked to vacate the seat for has held political appointments — what has she done?

“It will now be you, whom we can call at any time of the day, that the leader wants to take away from us. No. The God who made the leader victorious in his third term will also make you victorious.”

Lawal added: “God also allowed me to serve in the Assembly, and I know how things are done there. They have selected a governor from the East, and from reliable sources, the deputy governor will come from the West. It is now time for the Speaker to come from the Central.

“Even if Desmond is not chosen as Speaker, with the position God has placed the leader in today, coupled with his connections and influence; he can ensure that the position comes to Surulere.

“Even if we forget about the speakership, someone who has served in the Assembly from the first to the fourth term becomes a power broker in that House.

“James Faleke is not a principal officer or Speaker in the House of Representatives, likewise Jimi Benson, yet we can see what they attract to their constituencies. Can we compare that to what Fuad Laguda is doing for us here?

“It cannot be compared. So our appeal to the leader is to extend the love he has always shown Surulere by supporting Desmond because, with his support, Surulere stands to benefit more than having a neophyte in the Assembly.

“If you have a relationship with God, He may give you revelations. I do not want the leader’s downfall, and God will not allow evil people around him to orchestrate it. God will direct him.

“Barakat is already in the cabinet. Let her remain there and allow Desmond to go for one more term, after which it can end.”