Desmond Elliot Says Oshiomhole Introduced Him to Tinubu

Popular Nollywood actor and Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, has revealed that his political journey began through the influence of former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who introduced him to then-political leader and now President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Elliot recounted the pivotal moment that marked his transition from acting to politics. He explained that Oshiomhole facilitated his first encounter with Tinubu during a visit to Benin.

“Comrade Oshiomhole once told me Asiwaju (Tinubu) was coming to Benin. When Tinubu arrived, Adams walked me over to his table and said, ‘This is my son.’ Tinubu responded, ‘Yeah, he knows me.’ That’s how our relationship started,” Elliot shared.

Representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Elliot said Tinubu took a liking to him after recognizing his enthusiasm for public service, despite his fame as an actor. Tinubu subsequently introduced him to Sunday Dare, who was serving as his personal assistant at the time.

“He was surprised that someone from Nollywood was so passionate about politics. Somehow, he liked me from the beginning,” Elliot added.

Elliot traced his political interest back to the 1990s, inspired by the legacy of Chief MKO Abiola. Despite limited resources, he said he made a habit of buying newspapers to follow Abiola’s story.

“Even when I didn’t have much, I would still buy papers just to read about MKO. His life ignited something in me,” he said.

He also credited APC chieftain Fouad Oki for guiding him during his early political journey.

“I used to visit Uncle Fouad in the evenings to talk politics, even while I was still acting. That was part of my political education. My wife didn’t take it seriously back then,” he recalled.

Elliot also described a significant visit to Tinubu’s residence with fellow actors Jide Kosoko, Mike Ezuruonye, and Chinedu ‘Aki’ Ikedieze, where they received personal insights from the political leader.

“We got there around 7 pm and stayed until after midnight. He spoke extensively about governance and leadership. We were all in awe,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 election in which fellow actor Olumide Oworu contested against him under the Labour Party, Elliot expressed no resentment toward Oworu but disappointment in some of his colleagues.

“I wasn’t upset with Olumide—he’s bright and he’s from Surulere. What hurt me was that some of my colleagues supported him publicly without even reaching out to me,” he said.

Elliot emphasized the value of continuity in legislative roles, citing former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as a model for how experience strengthens governance.

“Real transformation doesn’t happen in just one term. Look at Gbaja—his influence grew over time. That’s how lasting change is made,” he concluded.