Lagos APC picks Sonayon-James as Hamzat’s running mate

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

The announcement was made public on Monday through a statement attributed to the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi.

According to Ojelabi, Sonayon-James emerged after extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process that assessed competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty and commitment to the progressive ideals of the APC.

He described the deputy governorship candidate as a dedicated public servant who has consistently demonstrated commitment to grassroots mobilisation, community development and the empowerment of women and youths across Lagos State.

“The emergence of Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James reflects the party’s determination to present a ticket that embodies experience, innovation, inclusiveness and visionary leadership,” Ojelabi was quoted as saying.

The APC chairman expressed confidence that the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket would build on the achievements of the current administration and advance the developmental aspirations of Lagos residents.

A respected grassroots politician and development professional, Sonayon-James currently serves as the Deputy State Chairman of the APC in Lagos State. She previously served as the party’s State Assistant Woman Leader and was later elevated to her current position.

She also served as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where she was involved in community-focused programmes and social development initiatives.

Beyond politics, Sonayon-James has built a career spanning human resource management, logistics and sustainability. She is the Chief Executive Officer of DGS Chauffeurs & Logistics and has been associated with several community empowerment projects, educational support programmes, youth engagement initiatives and women development schemes across the state.

She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and a degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull, United Kingdom.

The APC said her nomination reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender representation and greater participation of young people in leadership.

The party also called on members, supporters and residents of Lagos State to rally behind the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket as preparations begin for the 2027 governorship election, expressing optimism that the pair would provide effective leadership and sustain the state’s development trajectory.