The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled Damilola Sonayon-James as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Sonayon-James, who currently serves as the Lagos APC Deputy Woman Leader, was formally presented by the party’s State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, in Lagos.
Ojelabi said the choice of Sonayon-James followed extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process that assessed competence, leadership ability, grassroots acceptance, loyalty to the party, and capacity to contribute to the continued development of Lagos State.
According to him, Sonayon-James distinguished herself through her commitment to public service, dedication to the APC, strong character, innovative thinking, and proven leadership experience across the public, private, and political sectors.
He expressed confidence in the APC ticket, describing the Hamzat-Sonayon-James partnership as a combination of experience, innovation, grassroots connection, and visionary leadership capable of advancing the state’s development agenda.
Ojelabi called on Lagos residents to support the APC in the 2027 elections, stating that voting for the party would guarantee continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and sustained progress in the state.
The APC chairman described Sonayon-James as an accomplished governance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning public policy, institutional development, sustainability, risk governance, human capital strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community development.
He noted that she previously served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in the Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, where she spearheaded several initiatives focused on agricultural development, women’s empowerment, youth inclusion, education support, community welfare, and social intervention programmes.
Ojelabi added that beyond her public service roles, Sonayon-James has remained actively involved in grassroots political mobilisation, youth empowerment, women’s leadership development, and community advocacy across Lagos State.
He said her dedication to service and close relationship with local communities have earned her widespread admiration, particularly among women and young people, many of whom fondly refer to her as “Sisi Eko of APC.”
According to him, her emergence as the party’s deputy governorship candidate underscores the APC’s commitment to youth inclusion, gender representation, and the continued advancement of Lagos as a leading centre for innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development in Africa.