Desmond Elliot battles Gen Z to retain Assembly seat in Lagos

Ahead of the March 18 gubernatorial and House of Assembly Elections, Lagos is undoubtedly a hotbed.

One of the battles is between the incumbent House of Representative member for Surulere Constituency I, Desmond Elliot and the youthful Nigerians in the State who have repeatedly vowed to retire the actor.

The foremost actor, Desmond Elliot, has been panicking about his fate as he locks horns with ‘Generation Z’, a phrase describing the youthful generation.

Less than a week ago, Elliot issued a statement begging for forgiveness from Nigerian youths over his famous derogatory comment.

Elliot’s troubles began after he called for the regulation of social media shortly after the EndSARS protest.

The lawmaker, who supported the call for the regulation of social media while speaking at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said there was a need to address certain things like “the Nigerian youth, the social media, the social influencers.”

He had lamented the “gross misconduct of youths, especially those who make mockery of the government’s abilities to protect its citizens.”

Elliot had described the EndSARS protests in the country as an action of “children”.

He had said Nigeria may not exist if social media space is not regulated.

Irked by the statement, the lawmaker received heavy backlash from the youths who promised to vote him out, should he seek reelection.

Elliot, however, apologised saying his reaction was due to the destruction and looting of businesses he witnessed in his constituency.

But his apology has proven inadequate to mend the shattered relationship with the youths of the country.

Shortly after Bankole Wellington, AKA Banky W, won the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ticket for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat at the primaries in Lagos State, the singer was reminded not to be like Desmond Elliot if he emerges winner.

Following the wave of Obidient movement sweeping across the country, the Nigeria youth seem to have followed up on their promise to Desmond Elliot.

The youth, who came out with much enthusiasm and voted for Peter Obi which led to his victory in Lagos State, are now supporting the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Oworu.

Olumide is a fellow Nollywood actor, popularly known as ‘Tari on The Johnsons, TV series.

Oworu, who is a member of Obidient movement, said his passion for youth development inspired his decision to delve into politics.

According to him, he wants to be given the opportunity to make a meaningful change in the country.

In an attempt to woo voters in the state, Desmond Elliot gifted his constituency transformers a few days to the state elections. However, while so many Nigerians praised the lawmaker, others chastised him for waiting until election season to remember his constituency, adding that it is not an act of genuine goodness.

Here are some comments News men  gathered from the youths on social media:

@alakowee, ”Dear Desmond Elliot, Those children are now adults, and one of them will retire you so that you can enjoy the old people’s home.”

@IkukuomaC, ”Desmond Elliot has donated transformer to his constituents, he really upgraded from building toilets to this. Obidients press their neck harder.”

@amjowi_, ”If you’re voting in Surulere,remember that Desmond Elliot commissioned a stinking Public toilet,he also said Nigerian youths are lazy & was critical of peaceful Endsars protesters, now is payback time let’s send him packing,every actions has a corresponding consequence.#VoteLP.”

@firstladyship, ”While Sanwo-Olu has suddenly become a Father Christmas, Desmond Elliot decided to give his constituency a transformer (1 week) to election. Peter Obi is forcing their hands to do what they should have done since 2015/2019. Can we agree that Nigerian politicians belong in Hell?”

@GRVLAGOFans, ”Desmond Elliot donated “eight” transformers to his constituency (Surulere), he’s been commissioning toilets & building substandard bridges since, but just a few days to election he remembers that his constituency needs electricity; All this to win election. He’s such a disgrace.”

@Nefarati, ”Obidients, no matter what we do on Saturday, please make sure that Chimaroke Nnamani, Desmond Elliot, & all APGA candidates in Anambra Assembly elections are sent home. Vote LP top to bottom. There must be consequences for bad behaviors. We shall focus on INEC from Monday.”

@drpenking, ”Desmond Elliot giving out a new transformer to his constituency 1 week to elections. The most annoying thing is that these people know what to do, have the resources to do it but they choose to swallow all the money. It can’t be well with bad politicians.”

@ojay_obin, ”Desmond Elliot bought 8 transformers for his constituents. Sanwo Olu is everywhere including my dreams making promises left, right and centre. Now you know the power you hold as citizens. Please ensure you vote them out because this wickedness cannot continue.”

@DanielRegha, ”Desmond Elliot donated “eight” transformers to his constituency (Surulere), he’s been commissioning toilets & building substandard bridges since, but just a few days to election he remembers that his constituency needs electricity. All this to win election. He’s such a disgrace.”

@JaypeeGeneral, ”We will replace Desmond Elliot with Olumide on Saturday, March 18, 2023! They are both running for Surulere Constituency 1 seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obidients, this is a key race and LP MUST WIN! Vote Ellu P TOP to BOTTOM.”