A former Special Adviser on Housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Barakat Bakare-Odunuga, has announced her decision to vie for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Ms. Bakare-Odunuga is challenging the incumbent, Desmond Elliot, who is aiming for re-election to represent the state constituency for a fourth term in 2027.
She announced her challenge against Mr. Elliot for the upcoming party primary during a Sunday event in Surulere.
The gathering was attended by party leaders, lawmakers, and supporters, becoming a display of political strength before the APC primaries set for 20 May.
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Held at The Stable in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, the event drew APC leaders, such as the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, and Fuad Laguda, the member representing Surulere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The venue was filled with party stakeholders and supporters, and multiple aspirants reportedly pulled out of the contest to pledge their support to Ms. Bakare-Odunuga during the event.
Mr. Laguda called on party members to support her, and Mr. Aregbe promised political backing, stating his network would “speak with one voice” during the primaries.
In a dramatic moment at the gathering, a campaign figure previously working with Desmond Elliot reportedly announced his withdrawal from the lawmaker’s re-election campaign to back Ms. Bakare’s bid, which brought cheers from the crowd.
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During her acceptance speech, Ms. Bakare-Odunuga described Surulere as a “covenant” that she is resolved to honor through her legislative representation.
She pledged to prioritize infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment if she wins, stating further that she would “not go to that hallowed chamber to warm a seat.”
The declaration arrives amidst growing tension inside the Surulere chapter of the APC ahead of the party primaries.
See video below:
