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 selection followed extensive consultations and a rigorous screening process.
According to Ojelabi, the selection criteria included competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State.
He noted that Sonayon-James stood out for her commitment to service, dedication to the party, and a proven track record of leadership across both public and private sectors.
Expressing confidence in the party’s ticket, Ojelabi described the Hamzat–Sonayon-James combination as one capable of advancing Lagos State’s development agenda.
He also called on residents of the state to rally behind the party in the forthcoming election.
“A vote for the party represents a vote for continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and a greater Lagos,” he said.
Sonayon-James is a governance and development professional with over 15 years of experience spanning 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), where she led initiatives focused on agricultural development, women’s empowerment, youth inclusion, educational support, community welfare, and social intervention programmes.
Beyond her public service role, she has remained active in grassroots political mobilisation, women’s leadership development, youth empowerment, and community advocacy across Lagos State.
Popularly known among supporters as “Sisi Eko of APC,” her emergence, the party said, underscores its commitment to inclusive leadership, youth participation, and increased representation of women in governance.
The APC added that her selection aligns with its broader vision of positioning Lagos as a hub for innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development.
