The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has formally unveiled Damilola Sonayan-James as the deputy governorship candidate to run alongside the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, in the forthcoming governorship election.
The announcement, made on Monday by Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, confirms weeks of speculation surrounding the choice of a running mate and positions the Badagry-born politician as a key figure in the party’s succession strategy.
Sonayan-James, who currently serves as the APC’s Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos State, was selected following consultations among party leaders and stakeholders across the state.
According to Ojelabi, her nomination was based on several factors, including her political experience, leadership credentials and grassroots appeal.
He said she was chosen for her “competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and ability to contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Lagos State.”
The formal endorsement follows celebrations in Badagry and among her supporters after indications emerged in late May that she had become the leading contender for the position.
Her emergence was also preceded by a high-level meeting involving prominent party leaders, including Governance Advisory Council leader Tajudeen Olusi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, APC governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat, the state party chairman and other influential stakeholders.
Providing further insight into the selection process, Ojelabi explained that Sonayan-James’ nomination was the product of extensive consultations and careful evaluation.
According to him, her emergence was the outcome of a “wide consultation and rigorous selection process.”
He further stated that, “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.”
The APC chairman expressed confidence that the Hamzat-Sonayan-James ticket would provide the leadership required to sustain Lagos State’s development trajectory.
He described the partnership as a “blend of experience, innovation, grassroots connection, and visionary leadership capable of advancing the developmental aspirations of Lagosians.”
Hamzat secured the APC governorship ticket during the party’s primary election held at the APC Secretariat in Ogba on May 21. He overwhelmingly defeated his closest challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, after polling 657,917 votes from 657,974 accredited delegates, while Jim-Kamal received a single vote.
Another aspirant from Badagry, Samuel Ajose, withdrew from the race shortly before voting commenced.
Calling on residents to rally behind the APC ahead of the election, Ojelabi said the party remains committed to continuity and inclusive governance.
He urged Lagosians to support the ticket, stressing that backing the APC would guarantee continued progress and development across the state.
The statement further read, “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 around advocacy programmes focused on agricultural development, youth engagement, women empowerment, education support and community-based social intervention initiatives.
Her political career includes service 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, although she was unsuccessful in that bid.
With her emergence, political observers believe the APC is seeking to strengthen its grassroots appeal, particularly among women, youths and constituents in Lagos West, while presenting a ticket designed to consolidate support across the state ahead of the governorship election.
(Ripples)
