The atmosphere at The Stable, Bode Thomas, Surulere, was charged with excitement on Sunday, May 17, as Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare officially declared her ambition to contest for the APC House of Assembly ticket for Surulere Constituency 1.

The declaration attracted a large turnout of party faithful, stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters, all gathered to witness what many described as a significant moment in Surulere’s political landscape.

The event was graced by notable APC leaders, including the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Hon. Idris Aregbe, and the Member representing Surulere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Fuad Laguda.

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Also present were leaders of the Ndigbo and South-South APC blocs in Surulere, signaling growing grassroots and cross-community support for Barr. Barakat’s aspiration.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Fuad Laguda openly endorsed Barr. Barakat, calling on party members and constituents to mobilise massively ahead of the primaries. He described her as a capable and credible candidate with the vision and capacity to deliver quality representation and meaningful development to Surulere Constituency 1.

In a major boost to her campaign, the event also witnessed a symbolic show of unity as fellow aspirants stepped forward one after another to publicly withdraw from the race and declare support for her candidacy.

Among them was Mr. Dipo Jaji, who announced his full, unconditional support for Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare and urged his supporters to align with her movement as the best path forward for Surulere Constituency 1.

The declaration marks a strong start to Barr. Barakat’s campaign, positioning her as a leading contender ahead of the APC primaries.