The All Progressives Congress has hailed the emergence of Damilola Sonayon-James as the Lagos State deputy governorship candidate for the  2027 election.

Ms Sonayon-James earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and a master’s degree in Social Work, specialising in Community Development, from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In a statement on Saturday, the state party spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, described Ms Sonayon-James’s emergence as a compelling expression of the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership, generational renewal and a progressive vision for the state.

“Beyond the captivating beauty, infectious smiles and youthful charm that have endeared her to many lies a woman of considerable intellectual depth, professional competence and an enduring commitment to public service. 

“Damilola Sonayon-James represents much more than an attractive addition to the ticket; she embodies the promise of fresh ideas, contemporary perspectives and an energetic approach to governance that complements Hamzat’s experience and institutional understanding,” the statement read.

The ruling party hailed Ms Sonayon-James’s professional experience in sustainability, environmental, social and governance practices, risk management, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement 

“This combination of business knowledge, social-development expertise and governance experience offers valuable perspectives for a state as complex and dynamic as Lagos,” it added.

Citing her participation in the 2020 review of the Lagos State Youth Policy and service as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area, the APC noted that the experience provided her a practical grounding in grassroots administration. 

The ruling party stated that Ms Sonayon-James and Hamzat Kadri offer a proposition that combines continuity with renewal, experience with innovation, and established governance capacity with the energy of a new generation.

According to the party, the significance of Mr Sonayon-James’s emergence also lies in the opportunity it creates for stronger female participation in leadership and governance. 

“Women should not be relegated to the sidelines of political decision-making or valued principally for their symbolic appeal. They must be recognised for their intellect, professional accomplishments, leadership capacity and ability to contribute meaningfully to public policy,” it added.

The party urged residents to look beyond superficial impressions and appreciate the substance of the woman behind the smile, adding that Ms Sonayon-James “is a professional, a grassroots political actor and a public servant whose intellectual preparation, development-oriented interests and youthful energy can add meaningful value to the Hamzat-led proposition.”