LAGOS, Nigeria — Governance expert and grassroots politician, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, has formally and humbly accepted her nomination as the running mate to Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The 41-year-old development professional issued her formal acceptance statement on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, describing her historic selection as a profound testament to the endless possibilities that define the state.
Okay News reports that the emergence of Damilola Sonayon-James has transformed the state’s political landscape, making her the first indigene from the Badagry axis poised to ascend to the office of Deputy Governor. A princess of the Kweme royal family and current APC State Deputy Woman Leader, her nomination follows a rigorous internal selection process aimed at driving youth inclusion, gender balance, and deep grassroots engagement across the three senatorial districts.
In her statement, Sonayon-James expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exemplary leadership in deepening democratic values, while extending gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her constant mentorship. She also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state party chairman Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, and the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC) led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi for their collective wisdom and endorsement of the joint ticket.
Reaffirming her total commitment to the progressive mandate of the ruling party, the former Badagry West Supervisory Councillor stated that the ticket represents a unique opportunity for young people, women, and girls to realize their potential in governance. She vowed to work closely with the governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, to consolidate the model of economic excellence and infrastructural development that has long distinguished Lagos State as a primary benchmark among subnational governments in Africa.
