Lagos APC unveils Hamzat’s running mate

The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has announced the state Deputy Woman Leader of the APC, Damilola Sonayan-James, as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

The Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, made this known in a statement on Monday.

According to the APC chairman, the Badagry-born Sonayan-James was chosen for her “competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and ability to contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Lagos State.”

Monday’s affirmation by the Lagos APC chairman was preceded by jubilation among indigenes of Badagry and supporters of Sonayan-James following indications at the end of May that the coast was clear for her emergence.

The announcement also came after a meeting involving the leader of the Governance Advisory Council in Lagos, Tajudeen Olusi; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat; the APC chairman; Sonayan-James; and other top party leaders in the state.

Ojelabi added that Sonayan-James’ emergence was the outcome of a “wide consultation and 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 described the Hamzat-Sonayan-James combination as a “blend of experience, innovation, grassroots connection, and visionary leadership capable of advancing the developmental aspirations of Lagosians.”

Recall that Hamzat emerged as the party’s candidate at the primary election held at the APC secretariat, Ogba, on May 21, polling 657,917 votes out of 657,974 accredited votes cast, while his challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, secured one vote.

Another aspirant, Badagry-born Samuel Ajose, withdrew just before the primaries were held.

Ojelabi, in the statement, urged residents of the state to support the APC team, noting that a vote for the party represents a vote for continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth, and a greater 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.