The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially unveiled Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to its Lagos State governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 General Election, in a high-profile event attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members, senior party officials and key stakeholders across the state.
The unveiling ceremony, which underscored the party’s readiness for the forthcoming electoral contest, witnessed the gathering of some of the most influential figures within the Lagos APC family, reflecting the broad support for the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket.
Hon. Sonayon-James, the current Lagos State Deputy Woman Leader of the APC, emerged following extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process conducted by the party’s leadership. Her nomination is widely seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilization, enhancing inclusivity and promoting greater participation of women in governance.
Speaking at the event, Lagos APC Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, noted that the choice of Sonayon-James was the outcome of careful deliberations and consensus-building among party leaders. He described her as a committed party loyalist whose years of service, leadership qualities, and dedication to the progressive ideals of the APC made her a suitable choice for the position.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside prominent members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), lent their presence and support to the occasion, signaling party unity and confidence in the ticket. The gathering also served as an opportunity for party leaders to reaffirm their commitment to sustaining the developmental trajectory of Lagos State under progressive leadership.
At 40, Sonayon-James has earned recognition as a grassroots politician, community advocate, and mobilizer with a strong record of service within the APC. Her emergence has been welcomed by party faithful, women’s groups and political stakeholders who view the development as a significant milestone for female representation in leadership and governance.
Political observers have described the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket as a blend of experience, competence, and youthful dynamism. They noted that the combination is expected to resonate across various demographics as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
The unveiling ceremony concluded with renewed calls for unity among party members and a collective commitment to ensuring electoral success. Supporters expressed optimism that the APC ticket would consolidate on the achievements of the current administration while advancing policies focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and improved social welfare.
With the formal presentation of Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James as deputy governorship candidate, the APC has taken a significant step in shaping its campaign structure, setting the stage for what promises to be a keenly contested race for the future leadership of Lagos State.
