A coalition of community organisations, professional associations, faith-based groups and political stakeholders in Surulere has declared support for Hon. (Barr.) Barakat Odunuga-Bakare ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The endorsements followed a series of consultations, townhall-style engagements and stakeholder visits across different parts of the constituency, bringing together religious leaders, market associations, non-indigene blocs, artisans, youth groups, and service communities.
Odunuga-Bakare, a legal practitioner and political aspirant popularly known as “BBA,” is seeking to secure the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, with her campaign anchored on inclusiveness, grassroots participation and continuity within the Surulere political structure.
CAN, Faith Groups Declare Support
During a visit to the Surulere Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by SUP. AP. (Dr.) James Akingboye, Odunuga-Bakare appealed for prayers, trust and sustained engagement as she intensifies consultations ahead of the APC primary.
She described herself as “a daughter and sister” of the community, stressing that her aspiration is driven by a desire to deepen representation and strengthen constituency engagement at the state assembly level.
In response, the CAN leadership commended the aspirant’s outreach to faith-based groups and urged members to actively participate in party registration and mobilisation processes, describing political participation as key to determining the party’s flag bearer.
The association also reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity and moral leadership within the community, noting the importance of inclusive governance in Surulere.
Market Women Raise Economic Concerns, Pledge Support
At a separate engagement with the Surulere Market Women Association, traders highlighted challenges relating to rising operational costs, declining profit margins and general economic pressure affecting small businesses.
Odunuga-Bakare, in her response, promised practical representation that prioritises the welfare of traders, improved market conditions and policies that support local economic activities.
She assured the group that her legislative focus, if elected, would include advocacy for small-scale businesses, youth empowerment and improved access to economic opportunities within Surulere.
The association subsequently endorsed her candidacy and pledged mobilisation across major markets in the constituency ahead of the APC primary.
APC Non-Indigene Blocs Back Inclusive Representation
Odunuga-Bakare also received support from APC non-indigene executive blocs in Surulere Local Government, representing Ndi-Igbo, Arewa and South-South communities.
The groups emphasised the need for inclusiveness, equitable representation and stronger integration of diverse communities into the political structure of the constituency.
They described Odunuga-Bakare’s outreach as “inclusive and engaging,” pledging to mobilise their members in support of her ambition during the party primary.
Women leaders within the blocs also committed to grassroots mobilisation, stressing the importance of participation in determining electoral outcomes within the party structure.
Artisans, Auto Traders and Transport Stakeholders Join Support Base
The campaign further extended its consultations to the Mega Auto Parts and Allied Traders Association and the Nigerian Automobile Technician Artisans in Ojuelegba.
Leaders of both groups commended Odunuga-Bakare’s engagement with informal sector players, noting that artisans and traders often feel neglected in policy discussions.
They expressed support for her aspiration, citing her focus on youth empowerment, skills development and improved business conditions as key reasons for their endorsement.
At another engagement with the Federal Fire Service community at Nwaka Barracks, residents and personnel also pledged support, commending her outreach to security and service communities within the constituency.
Party Stakeholders, Support Groups Signal Growing Momentum
Beyond individual group endorsements, Odunuga-Bakare’s campaign has also reportedly secured backing from the Surulere APC Executive Committee, youth associations, the Dipo Jaji Support Group, persons with disabilities community, and several local mobilisation structures.
Stakeholders within these groups described her campaign as “organised and grassroots-driven,” noting that her consultations have cut across political, religious and occupational divides in the constituency.
Campaign Focus: Inclusiveness and Grassroots Engagement
Odunuga-Bakare’s campaign has continued to emphasise grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and inclusive governance as central pillars of her political agenda.
Her team has also highlighted the importance of unity within the party structure ahead of the APC primary, stressing that internal cohesion will be key to electoral success in 2027.
The aspirant’s engagements have largely centred on building trust across diverse groups in Surulere, including traders, professionals, youth bodies and community-based associations.
Odunuga-Bakare Promises Inclusive Governance
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Odunuga-Bakare expressed appreciation for the growing support across Surulere, describing the endorsements as humbling and reaffirming her commitment to public service.
She said, “Surulere, I have heard you. From the markets to the mosques, the churches to the barracks, from artisans to party elders, your endorsements humble me deeply. I will not disappoint you. Together, we build.”
Reaffirming her campaign position, she pledged inclusive representation that ensures all segments of Surulere are carried along in governance and decision-making.
As consultations continue across the constituency, her expanding coalition of supporters signals increasing political momentum ahead of the APC primary for Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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