By Our Correspondent
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled 40-year-old Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to Obafemi Hamzat, its governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Lagos state.
Sonayon-James currently serves as the state deputy woman leader of the APC.
Announcing the decision, Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos APC chairman and chairman of the forum of APC state chairmen, said her emergence followed extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process.
Ojelabi said the process considered competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and the ability to contribute to the development of Lagos state.
He said Sonayon-James distinguished herself through her commitment to service, dedication to the party, and track record of leadership in public and private life.
Ojelabi expressed confidence in the APC ticket, describing the Hamzat-Sonayon-James combination as one capable of advancing the state’s development agenda.
He urged Lagos residents to support the party in the election.
“A vote for the party represents a vote for continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and a greater Lagos,” he said.
Who Is Damilola Sonayon-james?
Sonayon-James is a governance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience in public policy, institutional development, sustainability, risk governance, human capital strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community development.
She previously served as supervisor for agriculture and social services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
During her tenure, she championed initiatives focused on agricultural development, women’s empowerment, youth inclusion, educational support, community welfare, and social intervention programmes.
Beyond public office, Sonayon-James has been involved in grassroots political mobilisation, women leadership development, youth empowerment, and community advocacy across Lagos State.
She is popularly known among supporters as “Sisi Eko of APC”.
The party said her emergence reinforces its commitment to inclusive leadership, youth participation, and women’s representation in governance.
The APC added that the selection reflects its vision of advancing Lagos as a centre of innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development.
