 |
| Damilola Sonayan-James |
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has named Damilola Sonayan-James, the party’s State Deputy Woman Leader, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
State APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi announced the selection on Monday, June 8, 2026. Ojelabi said Sonayan-James, who hails from Badagry, was chosen for her competence, leadership experience, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and capacity to help advance Lagos State’s development.
The announcement followed celebrations in Badagry and among Sonayan-James’s supporters after signs in late May suggested she was likely to be picked.
Party leaders who met ahead of the confirmation included Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat; the APC chairman; Sonayan-James; and other senior state officials.
Ojelabi said the pick resulted from “wide consultation and a 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 added.
Ojelabi portrayed the Hamzat–Sonayan–James ticket as a mix of experience, fresh ideas, deep grassroots ties, and visionary leadership well suited to advance Lagosians’ development goals.
He noted that Hamzat won the APC primary at the Ogba secretariat on May 21, receiving 657,917 of the 657,974 accredited votes, while his only named opponent, Lanre Jim-Kamal, registered a single vote. Another hopeful, Badagry-born Samuel Ajose, pulled out just before the primary.
In his statement, Ojelabi called on state residents to back the APC slate, arguing that a vote for the party equals a vote for continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and a stronger Lagos.
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’.”
The 41-year-old Sonayan-James is widely known for championing initiatives focused on agricultural development, women empowerment, youth inclusion, educational support, community welfare, and social intervention programmes.
Before emerging as APC Deputy Woman Leader, she served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area and once contested for the chairmanship of Badagry West LCDA but lost.
0 comments:
Post a Comment