Surulere APC stakeholders back Sanwo-Olu’s ex-aide to challenge Desmond Elliot’s fourth-term bid

Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, former special adviser on housing to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, has secured the endorsement of some political stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere 1 constituency ahead of the 2027 Lagos house of assembly election.

According to NAN, the endorsement followed a weeklong tour of all political wards in the constituency by Odunuga-Bakare and her team to solicit support for her bid.

The visit covered Wards E, E1, F1, F2, F3, G, G1, G2, and G3, alongside meetings with other key stakeholders, and ended on Saturday.

Odunuga-Bakare, who recently resigned from her appointment in the Sanwo-Olu administration, is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket alongside Desmond Elliot, a Nollywood actor.

Elliot currently represents Surulere 1 at the assembly and is seeking a fourth term.

Speaking during the tour, Khadijat Kareem, one of the political leaders in Surulere, endorsed Odunuga-Bakare, vouching for her competence and leadership capacity.

“When we talk about experience and competence, Barakat has both. She served well as leader of the legislative council and special adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu, and she will deliver as our representative,” Kareem said.

She is a go-getter, a hardworking person. She is a youth who understands the demands of governance, and she will do well for us.

“I want to appeal to all our men and women, our party members and leaders, let us support Barakat to succeed. I am standing here to assure all of you that we will not regret supporting her.”

Kareem added that the impact of Bola Tinubu’s administration was being felt across Lagos, including Surulere, noting that the constituency needed a representative who would attract more dividends of democracy.

She said supporting the aspirant would translate to progress and quality representation.

Also speaking, Sulaiman Yusuf, an APC leader, commended Elliot’s performance but said it was time to support Odunuga-Bakare.

“Let us be sincere with ourselves, this young woman deserves to be supported for the seat this time around. The other time, she stepped down, but this is her time,” he said.

“Desmond Elliot has done his best for the constituency, but there is time for everything. He has served for three terms and it is time to give another person the opportunity.

“Barakat is young and competent and she is somebody we can rely on for performance. I declare my support for her and I want everyone else to support her.”

In her remarks, Odunuga-Bakare thanked party leaders and supporters for their backing.

“I thank you all for this show of overwhelming love for me and support for my bid. God bless you all,” she said.

“As you all know, I am passionate about the development of Surulere. I want to represent you at the assembly to further bring home dividends of democracy. I value your support and love and I urge you to keep supporting me.

“We are having the assembly primaries on March 20. I am counting on your support to emerge as our party’s flag bearer.

Please, support my aspiration, and I promise you that I will raise the bar and deliver.

“This is not the time to fight; this is a time to unite for the good of APC and Surulere. I am for Surulere and will not disappoint.”

The aspirant also donated N1 million to party members in each of the wards visited.