2027: Lagos APC unveils Sonayon-James as Hamzat’s running-mate

.Hamzat-Sonayon James: blend of experience, innovation capable of advancing Lagos devt, Ojelabi

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has officially declared Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as its running mate to Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for the February 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.

Chairman of APC, Lagos, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, made the declaration in a statement on Monday.
The choice of Sonayon-James had earlier received the blessing from President Bola Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Committee, GAC, the highest decision-making organ of the APC in Lagos.

Hamzat’s governorship ambition has received a significant boost, with various stakeholders, including the leadership of the State Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, transport unions, religious bodies, among others, expressing their support for his candidacy in the 2027 poll in Lagos.

Recall that Hamzat, after emerging as the consensus candidate, the APC leadership commenced the search for the right choice for the running mate.

The Princess, who currently serves as state Deputy Woman Leader of APC, will run alongside Dr. Hamzat, who recently emerged the party’s Governorship candidate for the election.

Announcing the decision, the State Chairman of the APC and Chairman of the Forum of 36 APC State Chairmen, Ojelabi, described her emergence as the outcome of a wide consultation and rigorous selection process that considered competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Lagos State.

Ojelabi explained that Sonayon-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 expressed confidence in the APC ticket, describing the Hamzat-Sonayon James combination as a blend of experience, innovation, grassroots connection, and visionary leadership capable of advancing the developmental aspirations of Lagos residents.

Ojelabi, therefore, urged residents of the state to support the APC team, noting that a vote for the party represents a vote for continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and a greater Lagos.

“Her dedication to service and her close connection with the people have earned her widespread admiration, particularly among women and young people, many of whom affectionately refer to her as ‘Sisi Eko of APC.

“Her emergence as Deputy Governorship Candidate further reinforces the APC’s commitment to inclusive leadership, youth participation, women’s representation, and the continued advancement of Lagos State as Africa’s leading centre of Innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development,” the chairman said.

Sonayon-James is a 41-year old accomplished 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.

Widely recognised for her grassroots engagement and commitment to community development, she previously served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, where she championed several impactful initiatives focused on agricultural development, women’s empowerment, youth inclusion, educational support, community welfare, and social intervention programmes.

Beyond public office, she has remained actively involved in grassroots political mobilisation, women’s leadership development, youth empowerment, and community advocacy across Lagos State.

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