Lagos Assembly: Surulere shouldn’t trade experience for experiment — Elliott
Desmond Elliott Seeks Re-election in Surulere Constituency
By Ebunoluwa Sessou
LAGOS — Desmond Elliott, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has announced his candidacy for re-election, appealing for the support of party leaders and constituents.
Elliott made the announcement following a meeting with local stakeholders, including former local government chairman Tajudeen Ajide. He emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization in his campaign, stating, “I came to the CDA, which is the party at the local government level, to inform them of my intention to run again to represent the good people of Surulere Constituency I.”
During his address, Elliott expressed gratitude for the considerable support he received. “I am overwhelmed by the reception from the CDA, the local government, and everywhere. It is fantastic. I am very honored,” he said.
Elliott is seeking another term after over a decade in office, centering his campaign around the theme “Experience Over Experiment.” He argued that continuity in leadership would best serve the constituency’s interests. “Experience cannot be bought. If you start afresh, it takes years to build,” he noted.
He highlighted his educational background, which includes a doctorate in legislative studies, as an asset to his role as a lawmaker. Elliott cited improvements in flood control in Surulere as one of his significant achievements, attributing this success to consistent drainage maintenance.
“Last year, you did not hear of flooding in Surulere because we ensured constant desilting of drainages and canals,” he stated.
Additionally, he outlined infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of more than 32 roads and enhanced electricity supply through partnerships with key stakeholders like Femi Gbajabiamila and local power distribution companies. “Today, power supply in Surulere is more stable,” he added.
Elliott also noted his initiatives in healthcare, mentioning medical outreach programs that included surgeries and medication distribution. He pledged to expand job opportunities by leveraging his connections in the entertainment industry, stating, “Through my platform in Nollywood, I have been able to create opportunities, and I promise to do more.”
He asserted that his continued presence in the Assembly would enhance his capacity to attract development to the constituency. “Experience brings greater capacity. As a ranking member, there are better opportunities to deliver more for my people,” he said.
Elliott’s announcement comes as political activities intensify in Surulere in anticipation of the upcoming elections. Key stakeholders, including notable figures from the entertainment industry, have publicly endorsed Elliott’s candidacy, emphasizing his reliability as a leader.
Veteran actor Sunny McDonald, known as “Ancestor,” affirmed Elliott’s track record, calling him a “winning team” whose performance justifies renewed support. “From the work he has done in Surulere, it is clear he has delivered,” McDonald stated.
Cornell Udofia, Director of Communications for the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos, described Elliott as an experienced leader deserving of a second term. He urged residents to vote based on proven performance and competence, remarking, “Experience cannot be bought in the market.”
Community leader Prince Taofeek Dabiri praised Elliott’s accessibility and responsiveness, noting that his 12-year tenure has had a significant impact on the constituency.
“He is very accessible. If you reach out to him, he responds and addresses issues. That is what governance is about,” Dabiri said, adding that Elliott’s contributions to Surulere are substantial.
