By Dapo Akinrefon

Stakeholders in Surulere 1 Constituency have endorsed the aspiration of Mrs Odunuga-Bakare to represent the constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.

The stakeholders expressed their support during a weeklong visit by Odunuga-Bakare and her team to all political wards in the constituency to seek support for her bid.

The visit, which took the aspirant to Wards E, E1, F1, F2, F3, G, G1, G2, and G3, and other critical stakeholders, ended on Saturday.

Odunuga-Bakare, who recently resigned as Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Housing, is contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket with a former Nollywood actor, Mr Desmond Elliot.

Elliot currently represents the constituency at the Assembly and is seeking a fourth term.
While endorsing Odunuga-Bakare for the seat, the Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, Mrs Khadijat Kareem, vouched for the aspirant’s competence and capacity, saying she would deliver if given the mandate to serve Surulere 1.

Kareem said the aspirant, who once served as Leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council, had acquitted herself remarkably well as a political leader.

“When we talk about experience and competence, Barakat has got both.

She served well as Leader of the Legislative Council and Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu, and she will deliver as our representative.

“She is a go-getter, a hardworking person. She is a youth who understands the demands of governance and she will do well for us.

“I want to appeal to all our men and women, our party members and leaders, let us support Barakat to succeed. I am standing here to assure all of you that we will not regret supporting her,” she said.

Kareem said the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was being felt in all corners of the state, including Surulere, adding that the area needed someone that would bring more dividends to the people.
According to her, supporting the aspirant meant supporting progress and quality representation in the constituency.

Also speaking, the Chairman.of Surulere Local Government Area, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, praised the incumbent Elliot but said it was only fair to support Odunuga Bakare’s bid for 2027.

He described the aspirant as a loyal party woman who stepped down for Elliot on two occasions after appeals by party leaders.

“Let us be sincere with ourselves, this young woman deserves to be supported for the seat this time around. The other time, she stepped down, but this is her time.

“Mr Desmond Elliot has done his best for the constituency, but there is time for everything. He has served for three terms and it is time to give another person the opportunity.

“Barakat is young and competent and she is somebody we can rely on for performance. I declare my support for her and I want everyone else to support her,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Abdul Hakeem Abdul Rahman, Leader of Surulere Local Government Legislative Council, commended Odunuga-Bakare’s contributions to the constituency, urging support for her bid.
“Barakat is a good leader and she has done so much for Surulere. I support her aspiration and I urge everyone to support her as she will deliver,” he said.

Other speakers, including all party ward chairmen, also acknowledged the aspirant’s contributions to the development of Surulere, endorsing her bid.

In her remarks, Mrs Odunuga-Bakare commended party leaders, members and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her and her aspiration.

“I thank you all for this show of overwhelming love for me and support for my bid. God bless you all.
“As you all know, I am passionate about the development of Surulere. I want to represent you at the Assembly to further bring home dividends of democracy. I value your support and love and I urge you to keep supporting me.

“We are having the Assembly primaries on March 20. I am counting on your support to emerge as our party’s flag bearer.

“Please, support my aspiration and I promise you that I will raise the bar and deliver.
“This is not the time to fight; this is a time to unite for the good of APC and Surulere. I am for Surulere and will not disappoint,” she said.

The aspirant donated N1 million to party members in each of the wards visited.