Veteran Filmmakers Back Desmond Elliot Ahead of APC Primaries

Prominent actors, filmmakers and cultural stakeholders under the umbrella of Nollywood Icons have appealed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to support the reelection bid of Desmond Elliot ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State.

The appeal was made during a press briefing in Surulere, where the group described Elliot’s continued representation of Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly as beneficial not only to the constituency, but also to Nigeria’s creative industry.

Elliot, who was first elected into the Assembly in 2015, is seeking a fourth term amid growing internal contestation within the APC ahead of the May 21 primaries.

The delegation included respected veterans of the Nigerian film industry such as Zeb Ejiro, Zik Zulu Okafor, Fred Amata, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Bimbo Manuel, Emeka Ossai, Paul Obazele and Tunji Bamishigbin.

According to the stakeholders, their intervention followed extensive consultations among practitioners within the entertainment industry who believe Elliot has maintained a visible commitment to grassroots development despite his celebrity status.

They noted that the lawmaker has consistently championed community-focused initiatives spanning education, healthcare, youth empowerment and welfare support, while remaining accessible to constituents across Surulere.

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

The actors and producers also linked their appeal to Surulere’s longstanding reputation as one of the cultural nerve centres of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, describing Elliot as a vital bridge between the creative community and public governance.

“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 stakeholders further argued that another legislative term for Elliot could position him for greater responsibilities within the Lagos State House of Assembly, while strengthening the representation of the creative industry in governance and policy-making.

Referencing Gbajabiamila’s political journey, the group recalled the challenges he faced during his return bids to the House of Representatives before eventually emerging Speaker of the House and later 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 stakeholders said.