Desmond Elliot: I Thought Obasa’s Impeachment Had Tinubu’s Backing

LAGOS — Actor and Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot has revealed that he supported the impeachment of former Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa because he believed the move had the backing of President Bola Tinubu. He made the disclosure in an interview published on Tuesday.

Elliot said he voted with the majority of his colleagues to impeach Obasa based on information passed to him by House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. He said Gbajabiamila indicated the action had presidential support. He said he acted in good faith.

“I was informed by Gbajabiamila that the move had presidential backing. I believed that information. I would not have acted otherwise,” Elliot said in the interview. He added that he now understands the situation may have been more complicated than he was led to believe.

The impeachment of Obasa in January 2025 was one of Lagos’s most dramatic political events in years. Obasa had been speaker since 2015 and was a powerful figure in Lagos politics. His removal shocked many observers, especially given his historically close relationship with President Tinubu.

Elliot’s Political Journey

Desmond Elliot is one of Nigeria’s most recognisable Nollywood actors. He has represented Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015. His career has seen him navigate the complex politics of Lagos’s APC machine.

However, Elliot has faced his own political challenges. He recently alleged intimidation during the APC House of Representatives primary for his constituency. He claimed his supporters were dismissed from their jobs and that his security was withdrawn ahead of the exercise.

In addition, his Surulere primary result is still being contested. Elliot lost his bid for the House of Representatives ticket. He has not yet said whether he will seek to continue in the Lagos State Assembly instead.

Lessons From Lagos Politics

The Obasa impeachment and its aftermath reveal how quickly political alliances can shift in Lagos. Tinubu’s political machine, long seen as the most organised in Nigeria, has shown cracks ahead of 2027. Multiple lawmakers and allies have found themselves on the wrong side of internal party manoeuvres.

Political observers say Elliot’s candid revelation about being misled over the Obasa impeachment is unusual. Most Nigerian politicians avoid public admissions of having been politically outmanoeuvred.

Elliot said he remains committed to serving his constituents regardless of the political turbulence. He said his priority is the people of Surulere. He added that the experience has taught him to seek more direct confirmation before acting on politically sensitive information in the future.