APC leaders back ex-Sanwo-Olu’s aide for Lagos Assembly seat

Prominent political stakeholders in Surulere 1 Constituency have thrown their weight behind the aspiration of former aide to the Lagos State Governor, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, to represent the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.

The endorsement came at the end of a weeklong consultation tour on Saturday by Odunuga-Bakare and her team across the wards in the constituency, where she engaged party leaders and grassroots members to canvass support for her bid under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Odunuga-Bakare, who recently stepped down from her role as Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is seeking the party’s ticket for the Surulere 1 seat currently occupied by Nollywood actor-turned-lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, who is pursuing a fourth term in office.

Speaking during the visits, a presidential aide on constituency affairs, Khadijat Kareem, described Bakare-Odunuga as a competent and experienced leader capable of delivering effective representation. She noted that the aspirant’s track record, including her tenure as Leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council, demonstrated her readiness for higher responsibility.

“She has the experience, the capacity, and the passion to serve. Supporting her is a step towards better representation for Surulere,” Kareem said.

Also lending his voice, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaiman Yusuf, acknowledged the contributions of the incumbent but stressed the need for fresh leadership. He noted that Bakare-Odunuga had previously stepped down for the incumbent in the interest of party unity and deserved the opportunity to contest.

Other party leaders and ward representatives echoed similar sentiments, citing Odunuga-Bakare’s loyalty, grassroots connection, and commitment to the development of Surulere as reasons for their endorsement.

In her response, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, pledging to justify the confidence reposed in her if given the mandate.

She called for unity within the party ahead of the primaries, emphasizing the need to work collectively for the progress of both the APC and the constituency.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to attracting development and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Surulere if elected.

The APC primaries are expected to determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what is likely to be a keenly contested race within the constituency.