Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, former special adviser on housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has secured the backing of some All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Surulere 1 constituency ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.
The endorsement followed a weeklong consultation tour across political wards in the constituency, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Mrs Odunuga-Bakare and her team visited Wards E, E1, F1, F2, F3, G, G1, G2 and G3, where they met party leaders, members and other stakeholders.
She recently resigned from her role in the Sanwo-Olu administration and is seeking the APC ticket for the Surulere 1 seat.
The seat is currently occupied by actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot, who is seeking a fourth term.
Speaking during the consultations, APC leader Khadijat Kareem endorsed Odunuga-Bakare and said she had the experience needed to represent the constituency.
“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 urged party members to support the former aide, adding that the constituency needed a representative who would attract more development.
Another APC leader Sulaiman Yusuf also backed her bid while acknowledging the work of the incumbent lawmaker.
“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.”
Yusuf added that Odunuga-Bakare could be relied on for performance if elected.
Responding, the aspirant thanked party leaders and supporters for the endorsement. “I thank you all for this show of love for me and support for my bid. God bless you all,” she said.
She said she remained committed to the development of Surulere and wanted to represent the constituency at the assembly.
“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,” she said.
Barakat Odunuga-Bakare also appealed for unity within the party ahead of the primaries.
“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,” she added.
She also donated N1 million to party members in each of the wards visited during the tour.
