The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has unveiled Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate for the February 2027 governorship election.
Sonayon-James, who currently serves as the Lagos State Deputy Woman Leader of the APC, will run alongside Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the party’s governorship candidate.
Announcing the decision, Lagos State APC Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said her emergence followed extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process that assessed competence, leadership capacity, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty and the ability to contribute to the continued development of Lagos State.
According to Ojelabi, Sonayon-James stood out because of her exceptional commitment to service, unwavering dedication to the APC, strength of character, innovative thinking and proven leadership record across the public, private and political sectors.
He expressed confidence in the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket, describing it as a blend of experience, innovation, grassroots connection and visionary leadership capable of advancing the developmental aspirations of Lagosians.
Ojelabi urged residents to support the APC team, noting that a vote for the party would represent continuity, prosperity, inclusive growth and the pursuit of a greater Lagos.
A native of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Princess Sonayon-James is a 41-year-old governance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience in public policy, institutional development, sustainability, risk governance, human capital strategy, stakeholder engagement and community development.
She previously served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area, where she championed initiatives focused on agricultural development, women empowerment, youth inclusion, educational support, community welfare and social intervention programmes.
Beyond public service, she has remained actively involved in grassroots political mobilisation, women’s leadership development, youth empowerment and community advocacy across Lagos State.
Widely recognised for her close connection with the grassroots, particularly women and young people, Sonayon-James is affectionately known by many supporters as the “Sisi Eko of APC.”
Her emergence as the party’s deputy governorship candidate is seen as a significant boost to youth and women’s representation within the APC and reinforces the party’s commitment to inclusive governance and broader participation in leadership.
Party leaders expressed optimism that the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket would strengthen the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 election and consolidate efforts to sustain Lagos State’s position as a leading centre for innovation, economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi