Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday publicly presented Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Damilola Sonayon-James as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the 2027 general election.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the ticket in a post on X, describing the duo as leaders capable of sustaining the state’s development agenda after the expiration of his tenure.
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“The true test of sustainable governance is the ability to pass the baton to proven hands, guided by minds that see the future clearly.
“Today, I present a ticket that reflects the strength, diversity, and future of our great state,” the governor wrote.
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In May, Mr Hamzat secured the party’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election after receiving broad support of various sections and leaders of the party, including President Bola Tinubu, endorsing him as the consensus candidate while a host of aspirants withdrew from the race and queued behind him.
Days ago, the party picked Ms Sonayon-James as Mr Hamzat’s running mate.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described Mr Hamzat as a dedicated public servant and dependable partner in governance, noting that the deputy governor had played a significant role in the administration’s achievements since 2019.
The governor also praised Ms Sonayon-James, a sustainability professional and grassroots politician, for her contributions to community development and youth empowerment.
“Together, they bring the experience, competence, and energy needed to build on our achievements and move Lagos forward,” he said.
Support for APC ticket
Governor Sanwo-Olu called on APC members, party leaders and Lagos residents to support the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket ahead of the next governorship election.
He said backing the candidates would help sustain the state’s development efforts and advance the vision of a “Greater Lagos.”
“As we prepare for the forthcoming gubernatorial election, I invite party faithful, stakeholders, and all Lagosians to support this team as we continue our shared mission of building a Greater Lagos,” he added.
The governor’s endorsement comes days after the Lagos chapter of the APC announced Ms Sonayon-James as Mr Hamzat’s running mate, signalling the party’s preparations for the 2027 election.
Ms Sonayon-James, 41, currently serves as the APC Deputy State Woman Leader and previously held office as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
READ ALSO: Lagos APC unveils governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzats running mate
Background
Mr Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, is seeking to succeed Mr Sanwo-Olu, whose second term will end in 2027.
The APC has governed Lagos continuously since 1999 and remains the state’s dominant political party.
However, recent elections have witnessed stronger opposition performances, making the next governorship contest a key political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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