By the time Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare stepped forward on New Year’s Day to announce her intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly, many in Surulere already saw the move coming. For years, she had built her political presence within the constituency through grassroots engagement, legislative work, and strategic roles within the Lagos APC structure.
In a political environment where candidates are sometimes disconnected from the communities they seek to represent, Odunuga-Bakare’s emergence is being viewed by many as a homegrown candidacy. Her declaration on January 1, 2026, was less of an introduction and more of a formal confirmation of ambitions that had gradually taken shape over the years.
Her political profile received a major boost after playing key roles during the 2023 general elections. As Secretary of the TGSEE Campaign Organisation, she was involved in coordinating campaign activities that contributed to the victories of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, and Desmond Elliot in Surulere. She also chaired the Logistics Committee for the Eshilokun Campaign Council.
Within APC circles in Surulere, many now regard her candidacy as one enjoying the backing of influential party leaders, particularly Femi Gbajabiamila, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to the President. Several women’s groups and party stakeholders across the constituency have also publicly endorsed her ambition.
Born on March 10, 1986, Odunuga-Bakare comes from the Oshodi, Olorogun Adodo, and Onisemo royal families of Isale Eko. Her educational journey began in Lagos before continuing abroad, where she studied Law and later obtained a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Bedfordshire. She subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School.
Her political career officially began in 2017 when she won election as councillor for Akinhanmi-Cole Ward (E1) under the APC platform. A year later, she became Leader of the Surulere Legislative Assembly, a position she retained after securing re-election in 2021. During her time in office, she sponsored more than 27 bylaws focused on welfare and revenue development within the local government.
In September 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu appointed her as Special Adviser on Housing, placing her at the centre of one of Lagos State’s most challenging sectors. In that role, she oversaw initiatives linked to housing regulation, property market reforms, and real estate compliance through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
She was also vocal on issues affecting Lagos residents, including rising housing costs, fraudulent property practices, and the need for reforms in land administration. Under her watch, LASRERA intensified actions against illegal real estate operators and expanded public awareness campaigns on property transactions.
Away from government appointments, Odunuga-Bakare’s supporters often point to her community-based projects as evidence of her grassroots connection. These include educational support programmes, food relief initiatives during the COVID-19 period, drainage interventions, and assistance for women entrepreneurs.
As the APC primary approaches, she is expected to face incumbent lawmaker and actor Desmond Elliot, who is seeking another term in the Lagos Assembly. The contest is already attracting attention within Surulere politics, especially given that both politicians previously worked within the same political structure during the 2023 elections.
While Elliot is banking on experience and visibility as a serving lawmaker, Odunuga-Bakare’s campaign appears focused on presenting her as a candidate with both legislative and executive experience, alongside deep roots in the constituency.
For many observers, the coming APC primary may not just determine the party’s candidate for Surulere Constituency I, but could also signal a new direction in the constituency’s political leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
