Former aide to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Surulere Constituency I following the withdrawal of incumbent lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, from the primary election race.
According to Punch.ng The APC primary election, conducted across the six wards in Surulere, saw Odunuga-Bakare secure victory with a total of 11,625 votes, according to the constituency returning officer, Yussuf Kelani.
Desmond Elliot, who currently represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly and was seeking a fourth term, reportedly withdrew from the contest over allegations of intimidation and irregularities during the exercise.
Odunuga-Bakare’s emergence follows days of political tension within the Surulere APC structure, with several aspirants previously stepping down to support her candidacy ahead of the primaries.
Reacting to her victory, the APC flag bearer expressed gratitude to residents and party supporters for their confidence in her candidacy.
She praised party members, youths, artisans, women groups, and stakeholders across Surulere for their support, pledging not to disappoint constituents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development marks a significant political shift within Surulere politics, ending Elliot’s long-standing dominance in the constituency after three consecutive terms in the Lagos Assembly.
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What You Need To Know
- Barakat Odunuga-Bakare is a former Special Adviser on Housing to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
- Desmond Elliot has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.
- The APC primaries are part of preparations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Insight
The outcome reflects growing internal political realignments within the Lagos APC structure, particularly in Surulere where party stakeholders appear to be pushing for generational and strategic political recalibration ahead of 2027.
Implications
Odunuga-Bakare’s emergence could reshape political influence in Surulere and strengthen grassroots restructuring within the APC. The development may also signal increasing competition and internal resistance against long-serving incumbents within Lagos politics.
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