Surulere, Lagos — Sunday, May 17, 2026
The air at The Stable, Bode Thomas, Surulere, was electric on Sunday as Barrister Barakat Odunuga Bakare officially declared her ambition to contest the APC House of Assembly ticket for Surulere Constituency 1, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters who came out in force to back her aspiration.
The declaration event, which had all the hallmarks of a triumphant political outing, was attended by key APC figures including the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Hon. Idris Aregbe, and the Member of the House of Representatives for Surulere, Hon. Fuad Laguda.
Leaders of the Ndigbo and South South APC blocs in Surulere were also prominently present, underscoring the broad coalition forming around Barr. Barakat’s ambition.
Federal lawmaker Hon. Fuad Laguda threw his weight firmly behind the aspirant, urging constituents to mobilise at the primaries. He called on Surulere voters to queue solidly behind Barr. Barakat and make history, describing her as the candidate best positioned to deliver dividends to the people of Surulere Constituency 1. Hon. Idris Aregbe, in a rousing show of solidarity, pledged to put his political machinery to work for the candidate. “My ward and the surrounding wards will speak with one voice on Wednesday,” he declared. “We will deliver overwhelmingly for Barakat because Surulere deserves a voice that works.”
In one of the most dramatic moments of the evening, fellow aspirants who had previously been in the race against Barr. Barakat mounted the stage one after another to publicly withdraw and pledge their support to her candidacy.
Among them was Mr. Dipo Jaji, who declared his full and total, unconditional support for Barakat’s campaign, urging his own supporters to follow suit.
The event was dealt its most stunning moment when the Director General of Desmond Elliot’s 4th term campaign announced a dramatic change of allegiance, formally stepping away from Elliot’s re-election bid to join Barakat’s movement. The declaration drew a thunderous roar from the crowd and is widely expected to deal a significant blow to the incumbent’s re-election prospects.
The evening was not without celebration. Fuji maestro Malaika kept the crowd on their feet, delivering an energetic performance that set a festive and confident tone befitting the occasion.
In a powerful and deeply personal acceptance speech that moved many in attendance, Barrister Barakat Odunuga Bakare addressed the crowd with conviction and clarity. “Surulere is not just a constituency — it is a covenant. And today, I am making a covenant with every man, every woman, every trader, every student, and every elder in this great land.
I will not go to that hallowed chamber to warm a seat. I will go to work.
For too long, the people of Surulere Constituency 1 have watched others benefit from what should be ours. I stand before you today not as a politician seeking power, but as a daughter of this soil, ready to fight with every fibre of my being for what Surulere deserves — good roads, quality schools, functional healthcare, and a government that sees you. To the women of Surulere — your struggles have shaped me. To the youth — your dreams are valid, and I will be your loudest voice.
To our elders — your wisdom will always guide my steps. Together, we will write a new chapter for Surulere, and it will be written in progress, in dignity, and in results. Wednesday is not just a primary. Wednesday is the beginning. And I promise you — I will earn every single vote, every single day.”
The crowd erupted in chants of “Barakat! Barakat!” as she concluded her remarks, with supporters waving APC brooms and banners high into the Lagos evening air. The APC House of Assembly primaries for Surulere Constituency 1 are scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
