- Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare wins APC primaries, defeating incumbent Desmond Elliot by a significant margin
- Odunuga-Bakare secures 11,385 votes, showcasing overwhelming support across key wards in Surulere
- Her victory signals a major shift in Surulere’s political landscape prior to the 2027 elections
Surulere, Lagos – Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly, defeating incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot in a landslide result.
The primary election, held on Wednesday, May 20, recorded a strong turnout of party members across the constituency, with Odunuga-Bakare dominating the polls in nearly all wards.
Source: Twitter
Massive margin separates both candidates
Official results from the exercise showed that Odunuga-Bakare secured 11,385 votes, while Elliot managed just 270 votes across the constituency.
The breakdown revealed a wide gap in support, with Odunuga-Bakare leading in almost every ward where voting took place.
In Akinhanmi/Cole Ward, she polled 2,191 votes against Elliot’s 82, while in Yaba/Ojuelegba Ward she secured 980 votes compared to his three.
At Gbaja Stadium Ward, Odunuga-Bakare recorded 523 votes, with Elliot failing to register a vote.
Strong showing across key wards
The results further showed overwhelming support for Odunuga-Bakare in several other areas.
At Owolewa Open Field, Off Randle Avenue, she garnered 1,956 votes, while Elliot polled 10 votes.
In Iponri/Eric Moore Ward, she secured 1,805 votes compared to Elliot’s six votes.
However, Elliot’s strongest performance came from Shitta/Ogunlana Ward, where he polled 270 votes against Odunuga-Bakare’s 169.
Gbajabiamila-backed candidate clinches ticket
Odunuga-Bakare is widely reported to have the backing of key party stakeholders, including House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, whose influence was seen as significant in the outcome of the primary.
Her victory effectively ends Elliot’s bid to return to the Lagos State House of Assembly under the APC platform.
Elliot’s political journey
Desmond Elliot was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, representing Surulere Constituency I, and has since served multiple terms in the chamber.
The outcome of the primary marks a major shift in the constituency’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Desmond Elliot breaks down in tears
Legit.ng previously reported that Lagos state speaker, Honourable Mojisola Meranda, presided over the house as lawmakers gathered to bid her farewell.
Desmond Elliot got emotional and was unable to hold back his tears as he was given the floor to speak. The video of the actor’s emotional display went viral on social media, and many netizens had something to say about it.
Source: Legit.ng