In 2007, I Met Oshiomhole In Benin And Told Him What I Wanted, He Said Asiwaju Was Coming-Elliot

Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has shared how his transition from Nollywood to politics began through introductions facilitated by former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Speaking on the Morayo Afolabi-Brown Podcast, on Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, the Lagos State lawmaker recounted how a meeting with Oshiomhole in 2007 became the foundation of his political career. According to Elliot, he had expressed his desire to venture into politics during their meeting in Benin City, prompting Oshiomhole to assure him that he would meet then Action Congress leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, popularly known as Asiwaju.

Elliot explained that the introduction soon materialised and opened the door to further connections within the political establishment, including a meeting with Sunday Dare. He said those relationships, coupled with his determination, helped him establish himself in politics after years of success in the Nigerian film industry.

“In 2007, I met Adams Oshiomhole in Benin and I told him what I wanted to do and he said Asiwaju was coming in next week. Asiwaju came and I was there and he introduced me to Asiwaju and before you knew it, he introduced me to Sunday Dare. And the thing kept going from 2007 and 2008 and I just remained consistent.”

The Surulere lawmaker said consistency was the key ingredient in his political journey, noting that he continued to build on the relationships and opportunities that emerged from those early meetings rather than expecting instant results.