In a strategic move ahead of the 2027 elections, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind Barakat Odunuga-Bakare for the Surulere 1 Lagos Assembly seat. This endorsement comes as a significant challenge to the incumbent, Desmond Elliot, who has held the position since 2015. Odunuga-Bakare, a former aide to ex-Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, brings a fresh perspective and a strong network within the party.
The endorsement reflects a broader strategy by APC leaders to consolidate support among younger and more dynamic candidates, aiming to invigorate the party's image in Lagos. "Barakat represents the future of our party and the aspirations of our people," stated Babatunde Irukera, a prominent APC figure. As tensions rise, the race is expected to focus on pressing issues such as infrastructure, youth engagement, and public services.
Looking ahead, the contest between Odunuga-Bakare and Elliot will likely spotlight generational shifts in Nigerian politics, as the APC seeks to balance experience with the call for innovation in governance. The outcome may set the tone for the party's direction in Lagos and beyond.
