Hamzat Opens Up on How APC Chose His Running Mate

Lagos State Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has disclosed that he had no personal relationship with his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, before she was selected for the 2027 governorship race. Speaking at the public presentation of Who Is She? in Lagos, Hamzat said he only obtained Sonayon-James' phone number after she emerged as the party's deputy governorship candidate. He explained that while he contributed to discussions on the qualities the party wanted in a running mate, the final selection followed extensive consultations among party leaders. According to Hamzat, President Bola Tinubu advised party stakeholders to reach a consensus after he suggested that the deputy governorship slot should go to a young woman. He said the party also considered political balancing across Lagos' senatorial districts during the selection process, noting that the running mate was chosen from Lagos West to ensure regional balance on the ticket. Despite not knowing Sonayon-James personally before her emergence, Hamzat said her track record of community service, grassroots engagement and dedication to the party made her a suitable choice. He encouraged young women to remain optimistic about opportunities in Nigeria, urging them not to be discouraged by negative perceptions about the country but to continue contributing meaningfully to society. The APC recently unveiled Sonayon-James, the party's Deputy Woman Leader, as Hamzat's running mate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election. Party officials said her nomination followed a rigorous selection process that considered her leadership experience, grassroots support, loyalty and capacity to serve. According to the party, the Hamzat–Sonayon-James ticket combines experience, youthful energy and community engagement ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

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