All Progressives Congress has declared Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, a former aide to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, winner of the Surulere Constituency I House of Assembly primary election in Lagos State.
The primary election, conducted across six wards in Surulere, ended with Odunuga-Bakare securing victory in all the wards by wide margins.
Her emergence followed the withdrawal of incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot from the race. Elliot reportedly stepped down during the process, alleging intimidation across the constituency.
Announcing the result on Wednesday, the Local Government returning officer, Yussuf Kelani, confirmed that Odunuga-Bakare polled a total of 11,625 votes to emerge as the APC candidate for Surulere Constituency I ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The victory positions her as the ruling party’s flag bearer in one of Lagos State’s politically strategic constituencies.
Reacting after the announcement, Odunuga-Bakare thanked residents and party supporters for what she described as overwhelming support throughout the primary exercise.
“Hello Surulere, I want to sincerely say thank you very much. I am truly overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown me today,” she wrote on X.
She commended voters who reportedly suspended their daily activities to participate in the exercise, saying their commitment strengthened her resolve to serve the constituency.
“Many of you left your businesses, work, and families early this morning just to come out and vote. Your sacrifice, commitment, and belief in me mean so much,” she added.
Odunuga-Bakare also appreciated APC leaders, women groups, youths, artisans and party stakeholders across Surulere for supporting her candidacy.
She pledged not to disappoint residents and assured supporters that their trust and votes would not be taken for granted.
Looking ahead to the general elections, the APC candidate called for continued mobilisation in support of the party, including backing for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in Lagos State.
The outcome of the primary has continued to attract reactions within Lagos political circles, particularly following Desmond Elliot’s withdrawal from the contest.
