Barakat Odunuga Defeats Desmond Elliot in Lagos APC Assembly Primary

Hon. Barakat Odunuga Bakare emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress primary election for Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly, defeating incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot by a wide margin. 

According to the announced results, Barakat secured 11,385 votes, while Desmond polled 270 votes in the keenly contested primary held at Alaka Housing Estate, Ward G2, Surulere.

Following her victory, Barakat Odunuga Bakare shared a video message on social media appreciating supporters for their turnout and support during the primaries.

“With deep gratitude and humility, I sincerely thank the great people of Surulere Constituency 1 for the overwhelming confidence and support shown to me at the APC primaries today,” she said.

Barakat Odunuga Bakare is a legal practitioner and former Special Adviser on Housing to Babajide Sanwo-Olu. She holds a law degree as well as a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Bedfordshire.

Before her appointment into the Lagos State government in 2023, she served two terms as leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council. During her tenure as Special Adviser on Housing, she reportedly championed the Lagos State Tenancy Law, which introduced a 10 per cent cap on agreement and legal fees to protect tenants from exploitation.

She also facilitated the installation of streetlights across several streets in Ward E1, supported women through small business startup initiatives, and hosted the 6th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference aimed at fostering collaboration between policymakers and international organisations.