By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to Dr. Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
According to Ojelabi, the decision followed wide consultations within the party and received backing from key stakeholders, including the Governance Advisory Committee (GAC), the party’s highest decision-making body in the state.
He said the choice was based on considerations of competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and the ability to contribute to Lagos State’s development.
Ojelabi described Sonayon-James as a committed party member with experience across public policy, governance, and community development, noting that she currently serves as the APC Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos State.
He expressed confidence that the Hamzat–Sonayon-James ticket combines experience and innovation, which he said would advance the state’s development agenda.
The APC chairman also urged residents to support the party, describing its ticket as one focused on continuity, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Sonayon-James, 41, is a governance and development professional with over 15 years of experience spanning public policy, institutional development, sustainability, and community engagement.
She previously served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, where she implemented initiatives in agriculture, women empowerment, youth inclusion, education, and social welfare.
She has also been active in grassroots mobilisation, women leadership development, youth empowerment, and community advocacy across Lagos State.
