Results matter more than defections in politics- Desmond Elliott

By Lateef Ibrahim

Lagos lawmaker and actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott has questioned the growing trend of politicians switching parties, arguing that changing political camps does not necessarily translate into better governance for Nigerians.
Speaking during an appearance on The Morayo Show, monitored in Abuja, the Surulere Constituency I representative said political leaders should be judged by their performance and contributions to society rather than by the platforms under which they operate.
Elliott maintained that he has remained focused on delivering tangible results for his constituents, citing improvements in electricity supply, healthcare services and overall living conditions in Surulere during his time in office.
“My own kind of politician, I don’t steal money. If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in, but now there’s electricity, healthcare and all,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed skepticism about the idea that moving from one political camp to another automatically offers a solution to Nigeria’s challenges. He argued that the emphasis should be on effective leadership and service delivery rather than political realignments.
Reflecting on the country’s political landscape, Elliott questioned the practical differences that frequent defectors claim to see among leading political figures, suggesting that the focus should be on governance outcomes instead of political labels.
He also stressed that holding public office should not be viewed as a mark of superiority, describing leadership as a temporary responsibility that requires humility, accountability and commitment to public service.
According to him, many politicians lose sight of the fact that political power is transient and can be taken away at any time, making it important for leaders to remain grounded while in office.