Surulere Assembly Seat: Political Analyst Explains Why Odunuga-Bakare Should Be Elected
- Political analyst Yinus Buhari backed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare for Surulere Constituency 1 ahead of the 2026 APC primary
- Buhari said Odunuga-Bakare's extensive grassroots ties and past political roles bolster her candidacy in Surulere
- He added that Surulere residents seek fresh representation as they call for consistency and presence over the previous lawmaker's tenure
Surulere, Lagos state - A political analyst, Yinus Buhari, has thrown his weight behind lawyer and former Lagos state special adviser on housing, Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, describing her as a strong contender for the Surulere Constituency 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election scheduled for March 20, 2026.
In an op-ed made available to Legit.ng, Buhari said residents of Surulere Constituency 1 were increasingly seeking a representative with stronger grassroots ties and sustained engagement within the community.
Source: Facebook
According to him, Odunuga-Bakare’s political experience, legal background and involvement in local mobilisation efforts have made her a familiar figure across the constituency.
How Odunuga-Bakare played key role in 2023 elections
Buhari noted that Odunuga-Bakare played a key role in the 2023 elections as secretary of the TGSEE Campaign, coordinating mobilisation efforts that contributed to the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun and incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot in Surulere.
He said her familiarity with the constituency’s wards, polling units and political structure had earned her support among party stakeholders, women’s groups and youth mobilisers.
“Surulere knows who has been there and who has continued to work quietly behind the scenes,” Buhari wrote.
Odunuga-Bakare's experience in governance highlighted
The analyst argued that Odunuga-Bakare’s record in public service distinguishes her from many aspiring lawmakers.
He said that during her tenure as special adviser on housing, she contributed to housing reforms, promoted fair housing policies and supported initiatives aimed at resolving disputes in the real estate sector.
According to Buhari, her campaign message is centred on practical governance, accessible leadership and policies that improve opportunities for women and young people.
Odunuga-Bakare: Calls for fresh representation
Buhari also referenced the tenure of incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot, who has represented Surulere Constituency 1 for three terms in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
While acknowledging Elliot’s contributions, the analyst said some residents now desire “closer and more consistent representation” from their next representative.
He added that Odunuga-Bakare’s supporters believe her local roots and long-standing political involvement make her suitable for the role.
"Desmond Elliot has served Surulere for three terms. He came in with name recognition, but residents say what they need now is presence, consistency, and someone who prioritises Surulere over photo ops," Buhari stated.
Odunuga-Bakare: Educational and professional background
Odunuga-Bakare attended Mainland Preparatory School and Anglican Secondary School in Surulere before proceeding to Lagos State Model College, Kankon.
She later studied at the College of North East London before obtaining a law degree and a master’s degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Bedfordshire. She also attended the Nigerian Law School.
She previously served as Leader of the Surulere Legislative Council and is from the Oshodi, Olorogun Adodo and Onisemo royal families of Isale Eko in Lagos.
Buhari said the forthcoming APC primary would give party members in Surulere Constituency 1 an opportunity to decide the future direction of representation in the constituency.
Source: Facebook
Ex-Lagos lawmaker Rotimi Olowo declares for House Reps
In another report, former Lagos state lawmaker Rotimi Olowo has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for the Somolu Federal Constituency, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Lagos lawmaker promised active representation and expanded social intervention programmes if elected during his official declaration held on Tuesday, April 28, at the Baptist Academy, Obanikoro.
Source: Legit.ng
