Nollywood Veterans Rally Support for Desmond Elliot’s Re-election Bid, Urge Gbajabiamila’s Endorsement Ahead of APC Primaries
By Naomi Onome
Veteran actors, filmmakers and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry, Nollywood, have appealed to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to throw his weight behind the re-election bid of Desmond Elliot for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I.
The appeal was made during a press conference attended by several prominent Nollywood figures, including Zik Zulu Okafor, Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Emeka Ossai, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Bimbo Manuel and Francis Onwochei.
Reading a jointly signed statement on behalf of the group, Zik Zulu Okafor described Surulere as the “historical and cultural capital of Nollywood”, stressing that Elliot remained one of the strongest links between the creative industry and government.
According to the statement, the lawmaker’s return to the Lagos Assembly would position him for higher legislative responsibilities such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Majority Leader, thereby giving the Nigerian creative industry stronger representation in governance.
The stakeholders argued that Elliot had demonstrated loyalty, humility and grassroots connection despite his celebrity status, citing his interventions in healthcare, youth empowerment, education support, electricity projects and humanitarian services within Surulere Constituency I.
“For us, this appeal goes beyond politics. It is deeply moral, historical and symbolic,” Okafor stated while formally presenting the appeal.
The group also recalled the political journey of Gbajabiamila, noting that he once faced opposition before eventually emerging as Speaker of the House of Representatives and, later, Chief of Staff to the President.
They maintained that Elliot stood firmly with Gbajabiamila during difficult political periods and therefore deserved similar support at what they described as a “defining moment” in his legislative career.
Veteran filmmaker Zeb Ejiro said the gathering was not politically motivated but driven by concern from industry elders and practitioners who believed Elliot had distinguished himself through service.
“We are not politicians. We are filmmakers and members of Nollywood. One of our own is facing a challenge, and we are appealing for support,” Ejiro said.
Speaking further, Ralph Nwadike insisted the intervention was purely an appeal for mentorship and continuity, emphasising that the group respected the political leadership structure in Surulere.
Fred Amata, while addressing journalists, described Elliot as “an exceptional kind of politician” whose creative background had influenced his style of leadership and public service.
The stakeholders highlighted several constituency projects allegedly executed by Elliot, including road rehabilitation, drainage maintenance, healthcare interventions, youth training programmes, educational scholarships and electricity transformer installations.
They also praised Elliot’s accessibility to residents, claiming he remained open to assisting vulnerable persons irrespective of social status.
The group of veteran actors clarified that their concern was mainly about the forthcoming party primaries, which they described as critical to Elliot’s political future.
According to them, securing another term could pave the way for Elliot to attain strategic leadership positions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
They urged Gbajabiamila to publicly endorse Elliot and use his political influence to facilitate consensus among aspirants contesting the Surulere Constituency I seat under the ruling party.
“We want our colleague and representative to return because this is a defining moment in his political career,” one of the speakers stated.
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The stakeholders concluded by pledging to mobilise support within the creative industry and Surulere community ahead of the electoral process.
By Naomi Onome
Veteran actors, filmmakers and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry, Nollywood, have appealed to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to throw his weight behind the re-election bid of Desmond Elliot for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I.
The appeal was made during a press conference attended by several prominent Nollywood figures, including Zik Zulu Okafor, Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Emeka Ossai, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Bimbo Manuel and Francis Onwochei.
Reading a jointly signed statement on behalf of the group, Zik Zulu Okafor described Surulere as the “historical and cultural capital of Nollywood”, stressing that Elliot remained one of the strongest links between the creative industry and government.
According to the statement, the lawmaker’s return to the Lagos Assembly would position him for higher legislative responsibilities such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Majority Leader, thereby giving the Nigerian creative industry stronger representation in governance.
The stakeholders argued that Elliot had demonstrated loyalty, humility and grassroots connection despite his celebrity status, citing his interventions in healthcare, youth empowerment, education support, electricity projects and humanitarian services within Surulere Constituency I.
“For us, this appeal goes beyond politics. It is deeply moral, historical and symbolic,” Okafor stated while formally presenting the appeal.
The group also recalled the political journey of Gbajabiamila, noting that he once faced opposition before eventually emerging as Speaker of the House of Representatives and, later, Chief of Staff to the President.
They maintained that Elliot stood firmly with Gbajabiamila during difficult political periods and therefore deserved similar support at what they described as a “defining moment” in his legislative career.
Veteran filmmaker Zeb Ejiro said the gathering was not politically motivated but driven by concern from industry elders and practitioners who believed Elliot had distinguished himself through service.
“We are not politicians. We are filmmakers and members of Nollywood. One of our own is facing a challenge, and we are appealing for support,” Ejiro said.
Speaking further, Ralph Nwadike insisted the intervention was purely an appeal for mentorship and continuity, emphasising that the group respected the political leadership structure in Surulere.
Fred Amata, while addressing journalists, described Elliot as “an exceptional kind of politician” whose creative background had influenced his style of leadership and public service.
The stakeholders highlighted several constituency projects allegedly executed by Elliot, including road rehabilitation, drainage maintenance, healthcare interventions, youth training programmes, educational scholarships and electricity transformer installations.
They also praised Elliot’s accessibility to residents, claiming he remained open to assisting vulnerable persons irrespective of social status.
The group of veteran actors clarified that their concern was mainly about the forthcoming party primaries, which they described as critical to Elliot’s political future.
According to them, securing another term could pave the way for Elliot to attain strategic leadership positions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
They urged Gbajabiamila to publicly endorse Elliot and use his political influence to facilitate consensus among aspirants contesting the Surulere Constituency I seat under the ruling party.
“We want our colleague and representative to return because this is a defining moment in his political career,” one of the speakers stated.
The stakeholders concluded by pledging to mobilise support within the creative industry and Surulere community ahead of the electoral process.
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