The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially named the party’s Deputy Woman Leader, Damilola Sonayon-James, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Lagos APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, who described Sonayan-James as a competent and grassroots-oriented politician with the capacity to contribute to the continued growth of the state.
According to Ojelabi, the choice of the Badagry-born politician followed extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process involving key stakeholders within the party.
He stated that Sonayon-James stood out because of her “competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and ability to contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Lagos State”.
The confirmation of her nomination came shortly after a high-level meeting attended by prominent APC leaders, including the leader of the Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; APC governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat; Ojelabi; Sonayan-James; and other party officials.
The development also triggered celebrations in Badagry, where supporters and indigenes had earlier expressed optimism over indications that Sonayon-James was favoured for the deputy governorship slot.
Ojelabi described the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket as a strategic blend of experience, innovation and grassroots appeal capable of advancing Lagos’ developmental agenda.
He noted that Sonayon-James had demonstrated “exceptional commitment to service, unwavering dedication to the party, strength of character, innovative thinking, and proven track record of leadership across the public, private, and political sectors”.
The APC chairman further appealed to Lagos residents to support the party in the forthcoming election, saying the APC remained committed to continuity, prosperity and inclusive governance in the state.
According to the statement, Sonayon-James enjoys strong support among women and youths across Lagos and is widely known within party circles as “Sisi Eko of APC”.
The 41-year-old politician has built a reputation around initiatives focused on women empowerment, agricultural development, youth inclusion, education support and social welfare programmes.
Before becoming the APC Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos State, Sonayon-James served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area.
She also previously contested for the chairmanship position of Badagry West LCDA but was unsuccessful.
Her emergence follows the APC governorship primary held on May 21 at the party’s secretariat in Ogba, where Hamzat secured a landslide victory with 657,917 votes out of 657,974 accredited votes cast.
His only challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, polled one vote, while another aspirant, Samuel Ajose, withdrew from the race before the primary election.
