Desmond Elliott Refuses to Step Down as Barakat Bakare-Odunuga Joins Lagos Assembly Race

In a surprising turn of events, Barakat Bakare-Odunuga, a former Special Adviser on Housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced her decision to run for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This move puts her directly in competition with the current incumbent, Desmond Elliott, who is seeking re-election for the fourth time in 2027. She's confident she can win, and it's clear she's not intimidated by Elliott's experience.

The declaration event, held on Sunday at The Stable in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, was attended by several APC leaders. These leaders included Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, and Fuad Laguda, the member representing Surulere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The event saw the endorsement of Bakare-Odunuga by party stalwarts, lawmakers, and supporters. This endorsement showcases a significant display of political strength ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for 20 May. It's a significant display because it shows she has a lot of support from important people in the party.

"The others stepped down and are supporting me, and they're all here, but the only person that didn’t step down and insisted on going to the primaries is Hon. Desmond Elliott. I wish him all the best, and I wish myself luck too. I’m praying that on Wednesday, I emerge as the APC candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency I," Bakare-Odunuga said. She doesn't think it'll be easy, but she's ready for the challenge.

Bakare-Odunuga's background is notable, having served as a Special Adviser on Housing. This role would have given her insight into the needs and challenges of the community she now seeks to represent. She knows what the community needs, and she's determined to help. Her decision to run against an incumbent like Desmond Elliott, who has been in the position for three terms, indicates a level of confidence in her ability to connect with the constituents and address their concerns effectively. She's not afraid of a tough competition, and she's willing to work hard to win.

The APC primaries, scheduled for 20 May, are expected to be highly competitive. They're especially competitive with the tension rising within the Surulere chapter of the APC. Allegations of intimidation, political victimisation, and the withdrawal of security aides have been made by Desmond Elliott. He's concerned about the fairness of the process, and he's spoken out about it. Despite these concerns, Elliott has stated his commitment to accepting the outcome of the primaries if they are conducted in a free and fair manner.

He wants to make sure the process is fair, and he's willing to accept the results if it is.

Bakare-Odunuga's campaign promises focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. She emphasized her determination to make a positive impact, stating that Surulere is "a covenant" she is determined to honour through legislative representation. She's passionate about these issues, and she's committed to making a difference. Her pledges are likely to resonate with the community, given the critical need for development and support in these areas. The community needs help, and she's willing to provide it.

As the primaries approach, the outcome is uncertain. Both candidates have their strengths and weaknesses. Bakare-Odunuga's ability to garner support from other aspirants who have stepped down in her favour is a significant indicator of her political strength. She's built a strong team, and she's got a lot of support. Yet, Desmond Elliott's experience and incumbency advantage cannot be underestimated. He's been in the position for a long time, and he knows how to get things done.

The situation in Surulere Constituency I reflects the broader political landscape in Lagos State. Incumbents often face challenges from within their own party. The competition between Bakare-Odunuga and Elliott will be closely watched, not just for its outcome but also for what it reveals about the internal dynamics of the APC in Lagos State. It's an important race, and it'll say a lot about the party's future.

The race between Bakare-Odunuga and Elliott is about to heat up, with the primaries just around the corner. The constituents of Surulere Constituency I are preparing to make their choice. They're not only deciding the future of their representation but also contributing to the broader political narrative of Lagos State. The outcome of this race will be a significant indicator of the direction the state's politics is heading. It'll say a lot about the party's internal dynamics and the ability of new candidates to challenge incumbents.

In the context of Nigerian politics, party loyalty and incumbency often play significant roles. Bakare-Odunega's challenge to Desmond Elliott is noteworthy. It reflects a desire for change and a belief in the potential for new leadership to address the needs of the community more effectively. She's offering a new perspective, and she's willing to work hard to make a difference. As the story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out.

It'll be interesting to see what they reveal about the health of democracy within the APC and in Lagos State as a whole.

The decision by other aspirants to step down and support Bakare-Odunuga is a strategic move. It could impact the outcome of the primaries. It shows a level of coordination and unity among those who initially sought to challenge Elliott. They're now channeling their efforts behind a single candidate. This strategy could potentially weaken Elliott's position. It could give Bakare-Odunuga an advantage, especially if she's able to capitalize on the momentum and support she has garnered.

As the days lead up to the primaries, the focus will be on how both candidates engage with the community. They'll need to respond to allegations and challenges, and present their vision for the future of Surulere Constituency I. The outcome will not only determine the representative for the constituency but also reflect on the party's internal processes. It'll show whether the party can manage competitions in a fair and transparent manner. The party's reputation is at stake, and they need to get it right.

The race for the Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly has become more intriguing with Barakat Bakare-Odunuga's entry. Her determination to challenge Desmond Elliott, combined with the support she has received from other aspirants and party members, sets the stage for a competitive primary. The result will have implications not just for the constituency but also for the broader political landscape in Lagos State. It'll highlight themes of change, incumbency, and party dynamics. The outcome will be significant, and it'll have a lasting impact on the state's politics.