The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced the State Deputy Woman Leader of the party, Damilola Sonayan-James, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the state governorship election.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, who said Sonayan-James was selected based on her competence, leadership qualities, grassroots acceptance, loyalty to the party, and capacity to contribute to the continued development of Lagos State.
Her emergence follows weeks of speculation and growing support among residents of Badagry and party supporters after indications emerged at the end of May that she was favoured for the position.
The decision was finalised following a meeting attended by the leader of the Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, Ojelabi, Sonayan-James and other senior APC leaders in the state.
According to Ojelabi, Sonayan-James emerged through a broad consultation and rigorous selection process.
“Sonayan-James distinguished herself through her 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,” he said.
The APC chairman described the Hamzat-Sonayan-James ticket as a combination of experience, innovation, grassroots connection and visionary leadership capable of advancing the developmental aspirations of Lagos residents.
Hamzat secured the party’s governorship ticket during the APC primary election held at the party secretariat in Ogba on May 21. He polled 657,917 votes out of 657,974 accredited votes cast, while his challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, received one vote. Another aspirant from Badagry, Samuel Ajose, withdrew from the race shortly before the primary election.
Ojelabi called on Lagos residents to support the APC ticket, stating that voting for the party would represent support for continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth and further development in the state.
The statement added, “Her dedication to service and strong rapport with the people have made her a respected community administrator, particularly among women and young people, many of whom affectionately refer to her as ‘Sisi Eko of APC’.”
At 41, Sonayan-James has built a reputation for championing programmes focused on agricultural development, women empowerment, youth inclusion, educational support, community welfare and social intervention initiatives.
Before becoming the APC Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos State, she served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area. She also previously contested for the chairmanship of Badagry West LCDA but was unsuccessful.
Her selection as running mate is expected to strengthen the APC’s outreach in Badagry and among women and young voters as the party intensifies preparations for the governorship election.
