Lagos State lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has said he has not enriched himself through public office, declaring that he does not engage in corruption despite more than a decade in politics.

Elliot made the remark during an appearance on The Morayo Show, where he responded to an appeal from Christian Widows & Widowers Empowered (CWWE), a non-profit organisation that supports widows and widowers across Nigeria.

Moved by the group’s humanitarian efforts, the Surulere Constituency I representative pledged to donate ₦1 million to support its activities.

“I will look for ₦1 million to donate to you. I don’t know where I will get the money from because, in my own kind of politics, I don’t steal,” Elliot said during the programme.

The lawmaker stated that his decision to enter politics was driven by a desire to serve the public rather than accumulate wealth. According to him, he has consistently sought to demonstrate that elected officials can occupy public office without engaging in corruption.

Elliot also highlighted some of the initiatives he said he had undertaken for vulnerable residents in his constituency, including assistance for widows and widowers. He noted that he had previously subsidised the cost of prepaid electricity meters for some beneficiaries within his constituency.

Reflecting on public service, the actor-turned-politician said he hopes to be remembered for the impact he made rather than for personal wealth or material possessions. He added that political office is temporary and should be viewed as an opportunity to improve the lives of others.

Elliot’s comments come at a time of increased public scrutiny of elected officials and growing calls for greater accountability and transparency in governance. The lawmaker recently faced a political setback after failing to secure his party’s ticket for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

His remarks on integrity in public office have since generated discussion on social media, with supporters commending his stance while critics have continued to debate the broader challenges of corruption and accountability in Nigeria’s political system.