Lagos APC Names Deputy Gov Candidate

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has moved to consolidate its preparations for the 2027 governorship election with the official emergence of Damilola Sonayon-James as its deputy governorship candidate.

The announcement positions Sonayon-James on the party’s joint ticket alongside current Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who recently secured the APC governorship ticket following a decisive victory in the party’s primary election.

Party leaders described the selection as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the APC’s electoral prospects and maintaining its long-standing political dominance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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The Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket has already garnered significant support from key power brokers within the party, including the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), outgoing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and influential regional party leaders.

Political observers view the early unveiling of the deputy governorship candidate as a signal that the APC is determined to avoid internal uncertainty and present a united front well ahead of the election cycle.

The decision comes amid growing political activity in Lagos as parties begin positioning themselves for the next governorship contest. By settling its ticket early, the APC appears intent on consolidating support across party structures while allowing ample time for grassroots mobilization.

Analysts say Sonayon-James’ emergence reflects the party’s broader strategy of balancing political interests and expanding its appeal to critical voting blocs. Her inclusion on the ticket is also expected to strengthen engagement with women and younger voters, demographics that are likely to play a significant role in the 2027 election.

For Hamzat, the endorsement of party leaders and the emergence of a running mate mark another major step in his bid to succeed Governor Sanwo-Olu. The deputy governor has remained a prominent figure within the Lagos political establishment and is widely regarded as one of the leading contenders to continue the APC’s governance agenda in the state.

The backing of the Governor’s Advisory Council is particularly significant, given the body’s influence in shaping political decisions and consensus within the Lagos APC. Combined with the support of Governor Sanwo-Olu and other senior party stakeholders, the endorsements provide a strong foundation for the ticket ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral season.

While opposition parties have yet to unveil their candidates, political commentators believe the APC’s early organization may offer it a strategic advantage in campaign planning and voter outreach.

The announcement has already generated discussions within political circles, with supporters describing the ticket as a blend of experience, continuity and fresh perspectives. Critics, however, argue that the party will still need to address pressing governance and development issues to retain public confidence.

As preparations for the 2027 election gradually gather momentum, the emergence of the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket underscores the APC’s determination to remain the dominant political force in Lagos State.

With party structures now aligning behind the ticket, attention is expected to shift toward policy priorities, campaign messaging and efforts to secure broader voter support in the months ahead.