By Wellington Jopelo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly settled for Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to its Lagos governorship candidate, Dr. Femi Hamzat, ahead of the next governorship election in the state.
Party sources disclosed that the decision was reached after consultations among key stakeholders, with the ruling party opting for the Badagry-born politician to strengthen its electoral chances across Lagos.
Sonayon-James, a prominent APC chieftain from Badagry Division, currently serves as the Assistant State Woman Leader of the party in Lagos and is widely known for her grassroots political activities and community engagement.
Her emergence is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at consolidating support in the Badagry axis while also projecting greater female participation within the party’s leadership structure.
Political observers note that Badagry has long sought greater representation in Lagos politics, making her selection a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
Beyond partisan politics, Sonayon-James has built a career in sustainability and governance, working as an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) consultant with experience in policy implementation and community development initiatives.
She is also a member of the royal family of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry West Local Council Development Area, a background that has earned her influence among traditional institutions and local stakeholders.
Before rising within the APC hierarchy, she served as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA, where she participated in various social intervention and grassroots development programmes.
Her reported nomination is expected to boost the APC’s campaign efforts as the party prepares for what is likely to be another fiercely contested governorship election in Lagos.
The Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket is also being seen as an attempt by the APC to balance political interests across different divisions of the state while maintaining its dominance in Lagos politics.
Although the party has yet to make an official announcement, insiders say preparations are underway for the formal presentation of the governorship ticket in the coming days.
If officially confirmed, Sonayon-James will become one of the highest-ranking political figures from Badagry to feature on a major governorship ticket in Lagos, marking a significant moment for the coastal division’s political aspirations.