The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced Mrs. Damilola Sonayon-James as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election, describing her selection as a strategic move to promote youth and gender inclusion in governance.
The announcement was made by the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, who said Sonayon-James emerged after extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process that assessed candidates based on experience, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, loyalty to the party, and their ability to contribute to the state’s development agenda.
According to Ojelabi, the choice of Sonayon-James underscores the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership and broader representation for women and young people in public office.
“Her emergence reinforces the APC’s commitment to inclusive leadership, youth participation, women representation, and the continued advancement of Lagos State as Africa’s leading centre of innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development,” he said.
Sonayon-James, 41, hails from the Badagry Division and comes from a notable political family. Her father previously served as a member of the House of Representatives. Her nomination follows the emergence of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the APC governorship candidate for the forthcoming election.
Ojelabi described the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket as a combination of experience, innovation, grassroots engagement, and visionary leadership capable of driving the developmental aspirations of Lagos residents.
He noted that Sonayon-James has distinguished herself through years of dedicated service, innovative thinking, and a strong record of leadership in both public and private sectors.
An accomplished governance and development professional, she has over 15 years of experience in public policy, institutional development, sustainability, risk governance, human capital strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community development.
The APC chairman further highlighted her tenure as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where she spearheaded initiatives focused on agricultural development, women empowerment, youth inclusion, education support, community welfare, and social intervention programmes.
Ojelabi urged Lagosians to rally behind the APC ticket, stating that supporting the party would ensure continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and sustained development across the state.
He expressed confidence that the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket possesses the leadership qualities needed to advance Lagos State’s progress and strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading economic hubs.