Resume acting career after APC primaries, Abati tells Elliot

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Arise TV presenter, Reuben Abati, has advised incumbent lawmaker and former actor, Desmond Elliot, to return to acting following his defeat at the party primaries.

Abati gave the advice on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Show programme, saying Elliot was a very good actor and could return to the profession after his political setback.

He also noted that political offices should not be treated as lifetime positions, adding that all contestants should be given equal opportunities at the polls.

“He has spent twelve years. Those who are elected into public offices are not supposed to be traditional rulers. When you have an opposition, you give them the opportunity to win at the primaries or at the polls,” he said.

“People should have a second address. When you’ve served the government, go back to your profession… and he is a very good actor. I’m sure he’ll still find some roles to play in Nollywood. Then in the future, maybe he can return to politics”.

Recall that the actor-turned-lawmaker announced his withdrawal on Wednesday in favour of his competitor, Hon. Odunuga Barakat, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for Surulere Constituency I ahead of the 2026 Lagos State House of Assembly elections.

Elliot had represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly for 12 years. However, after three consecutive terms in office, he vied for the same position again under the APC, seeking a fourth term, which sparked disagreement within the party.

Odunuga had earlier alleged that Elliot refused to step down for her during her declaration to run as the party’s flag bearer, following her resignation as special adviser on housing to the Lagos State governor. She said other aspirants had stepped down in her favour, but Elliot insisted on proceeding to the primaries.