Nollywood star-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has once again found himself at the center of social media buzz — this time not for his political comments but for his bold fashion choice at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The 11th edition of the prestigious award ceremony was held on Saturday night in Lagos, celebrating excellence in African film and television, and featured a dazzling array of celebrities and dignitaries. But it was Elliot’s striking outfit that stole the spotlight and stirred widespread reaction across digital platforms.
The lawmaker, who represents Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, arrived at the red carpet in an unexpected ensemble — a voluminous, ball-like black gown that immediately caught the attention of fans, fashion critics, and online commentators.
While some praised his daring sense of style, many others were less impressed, flooding social media with humorous and critical takes. The outfit quickly became a trending topic, with memes, commentary, and comparisons dominating the conversation.
Mixed Reactions: From ‘Low Budget Cinderella’ to ‘Priestly Drip’
Netizens wasted no time expressing their thoughts on Desmond Elliot’s outfit, with comments ranging from playful jabs to outright confusion. Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) users likened the outfit to everything from a priest’s robe to a costume straight out of a Disney movie.
One user, lydia.zippora, wrote: “Hmm this one nah low budget Cinderella! He need to lost him shoe for the party, so that he will be crying ‘inozikwa ome boom’. Prince Pretty Mike go pick him from there, you already know the rest.”
Another commentator, theamazing_gift, questioned the inspiration behind the attire, saying: “Are you an Israelite sir? Which one wey you dey wear skirt?”
The reactions didn’t stop there. amai_lisha labeled the outfit as “Kinda disturbing,” while popular skit maker mc_approko called for honesty, stating: “You all should just tell him the truth and stop deceiving him. This is not right na.”
For ezinnejoy247, the outfit was simply confusing: “Madam Elliott dripping.” Meanwhile, _miss_p added a sharp critique: “Yooh, having fans must be nice, lying to you guys. No, there is nothing nice—be honest to your favorite.”
A Fashion Statement or a Political Distraction?
Desmond Elliot is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, his transition from a beloved Nollywood actor to a sitting lawmaker has been marked by moments of public scrutiny—especially from Nigeria’s vibrant youth population. His remarks during the #EndSARS protests in 2020 continue to linger in public memory, and every appearance he makes is now carefully dissected by fans and critics alike.
This latest incident is no different. While some argue that the outfit was simply a bold fashion statement, others speculate that it may have been an intentional attempt to divert attention from his political record or reconnect with his entertainment roots.
Style Critics React
Fashion experts and stylists have offered mixed reviews of the ensemble. Celebrity stylist Bola Ajibade noted that Elliot may have been trying to make a cultural or theatrical statement, given the creative context of the AMVCA red carpet, which often celebrates flamboyance.
“Red carpets like AMVCA are places where artists and celebrities push boundaries,” Ajibade told AfricaLiveNews. “Desmond’s look might not be for everyone, but it certainly got people talking — and that’s what fashion is meant to do sometimes.”
Others, however, felt the look lacked refinement and purpose. “There’s a fine line between theatrical and confusing,” said fashion blogger Mimi Ogundele. “This crossed that line. It felt like a costume more than couture.”
Desmond Elliot Remains Silent
As of the time of filing this report, Desmond Elliot has yet to respond to the online criticism or explain the inspiration behind his outfit. His social media pages remain silent on the issue, with no post acknowledging the red carpet appearance or addressing the comments.
Nevertheless, this is not the first time a male Nigerian celebrity has turned heads with a dramatic fashion choice. In recent years, stars like Denrele Edun, Pretty Mike, and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu have all courted attention with eye-catching red carpet outfits that sparked heated online debates.
The Role of Fashion in Political Branding
In an era where image and public perception are increasingly shaped by social media, politicians who come from the entertainment industry often walk a fine line between being trendy and being taken seriously. For Desmond Elliot, a man who straddles both worlds, such moments can enhance or damage his brand depending on how they are received by the public.
Analysts say this may be a calculated move to regain relevance within the entertainment space, or simply a misunderstood attempt at red carpet flamboyance. Either way, the conversation continues — and so does the spotlight.
Conclusion: Bold, Bizarre or Brilliant?
Desmond Elliot’s outfit at the AMVCA 2025 has undoubtedly sparked a wave of attention. Whether viewed as a fashion faux pas or an expression of individuality, one thing is clear: the Surulere lawmaker knows how to command the spotlight.
As reactions continue to pour in and debates rage on across social media, Elliot’s outfit may go down as one of the most talked-about red carpet moments in AMVCA history. And in the world of entertainment—and politics—sometimes, being unforgettable is all that matters.
