Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, a lawyer and politician, has formally declared her candidacy for the Lagos State House of Assembly, aiming to unseat the four-term incumbent Desmond Elliot. Her declaration on New Year's Day 2026 was not an introduction to Surulere Constituency I but rather a formalization of a candidacy that had been building for years.
Odunuga-Bakare's political journey began at the grassroots level. She served as a councillor for Akinhanmi-Cole Ward (E1) from 2017 and later became Leader of the Surulere Legislative Assembly. Her legislative record includes sponsoring over 27 bylaws focused on resident welfare and local government revenue generation. She also played a key role in the 2023 general elections as TGSEE Campaign Secretary, helping to secure victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other APC candidates.
In September 2023, Odunuga-Bakare was appointed Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Housing, a position she resigned to pursue her assembly bid. In that role, she oversaw the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), pushing for stricter regulation of the property market, combating land scams, and advocating for affordable housing policies. She also publicly opposed arbitrary rent hikes, a stance that resonated with many Lagos residents.
Her campaign platform focuses on housing, education, youth empowerment, and community security. She emphasizes her track record of delivering street lighting, educational materials, and support for small businesses. Odunuga-Bakare has secured endorsements from APC stakeholders in Surulere, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and various women's groups.
The primary election, expected by May 20, will pit Odunuga-Bakare against Desmond Elliot, a Nollywood actor-turned-politician seeking a fourth term. This contest represents a generational shift and a test of party loyalty, as Odunuga-Bakare was part of the team that helped Elliot win his last election. She now challenges him with a blend of grassroots experience and executive-level governance.
Born in Lagos, Odunuga-Bakare's education spans Nigeria and the United Kingdom, where she studied law and international commercial law. Her candidacy is seen as a strong challenge to Elliot's incumbency, with the potential to bring a new voice to the Lagos Assembly.
