Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 governorship candidate, has disclosed that he had never met or spoken to his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, before she was officially selected for the deputy governorship position. The revelation came during the public screening of the documentary “Who Is She?” held at the Syrian Club Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. Hamzat emphasized that the selection process was driven by party discussions and presidential guidance, not personal connections. He stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Lagos APC to choose a deputy governor, and he recommended a young woman for the role, which the president endorsed.
Hamzat recounted that President Tinubu called him and instructed the party leadership to resolve the matter internally. “The president called me and said, ‘You guys go and sort it out.’ I said, ‘Sir, I think it should be a female.’ He said, ‘It’s okay.’ I said, ‘It should be young.’ He said, ‘It’s okay,’” Hamzat recalled. The APC candidate stressed that the party also adhered to Lagos State’s zoning arrangement in making the selection. Since he represents Lagos East and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hails from Lagos Central, the deputy governor position was expected to go to someone from Lagos West, which Sonayon-James represents through her origin in Badagry.
Despite being chosen as his running mate, Hamzat admitted he had no prior personal relationship with Sonayon-James. “Until Damilola was chosen, I didn’t know her phone number. I got her phone number from somebody,” he revealed. He added that Sonayon-James was selected based on her competence and leadership qualities, noting her role as the deputy woman leader of the Lagos APC. Her appointment reflects the party’s commitment to inclusivity and youth representation in governance.
The event, which showcased the documentary “Who Is She?”, aimed to introduce Sonayon-James to the public and highlight her journey and qualifications. The screening drew significant attention from party members, political analysts, and the general public, underscoring the growing interest in the 2027 governorship race. Hamzat’s openness about the selection process has sparked discussions on transparency and merit in political appointments within the APC.
As the 2027 election approaches, the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket is expected to focus on youth empowerment, women’s participation in politics, and regional balance in governance. Their campaign is likely to emphasize these themes as they seek to build a broad coalition across Lagos State. The appointment of Sonayon-James marks a significant step in the APC’s strategy to diversify its leadership and appeal to younger voters.
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