Nollywood Icons Back Desmond Elliot’s Bid for a Fourth Term

Iyke Bede

Veteran actors and filmmakers, operating under the banner of Nollywood Icons, have asked Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, to endorse Desmond Elliot’s bid for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly before the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

The appeal was presented at a press briefing in Surulere, where the group highlighted Elliot’s ongoing representation of Surulere Constituency I as advantageous for both the area and the creative sector.

Elliot, first elected to the Assembly in 2015, is contesting a fourth term amid internal competition within the APC ahead of the May 21 primaries.

The collective, which includes Zeb Ejiro, Zik Zulu Okafor, Fred Amata, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Bimbo Manuel, Emeka Ossai, Paul Obazele and Tunji Bamishigbin, said the intervention followed consultations among industry practitioners who believe the lawmaker has maintained a visible presence in grassroots development despite his celebrity status.

Stakeholders noted that Elliot has continued community‑focused initiatives in education, healthcare, youth empowerment and welfare support, while remaining accessible to residents throughout the constituency.

“For us, this appeal goes beyond politics. It is deeply moral, historical and symbolic,” the group said.

The actors and producers also tied their appeal to Surulere’s long‑standing role in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, describing the constituency as one of Nollywood’s cultural centres and Elliot as an important link between the creative community and government.

“Surulere occupies a unique place in the history of the Nigerian creative industry. It remains one of the strongest cultural capitals of Nollywood,” the statement added.

The group argued that another legislative term would enable Elliot to take on greater responsibilities within the Lagos State House of Assembly and strengthen the representation of the creative industry in public leadership.

Referencing Gbajabiamila’s political trajectory, the stakeholders recalled the challenges he faced during his return bids to the House of Representatives before later becoming Speaker and subsequently Chief of Staff to the President.

“It is therefore our respectful belief that this defining moment calls once again for statesmanship, loyalty and mentorship,” the group stated.