Damilola Sonayon-James Reacts To Her Emergence As Lagos Deputy Governorship Candidate

The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Damilola Sonayon James, has described her emergence as an opportunity for women and a demonstration of the inclusive nature of Lagos politics.

James, in a statement via her 𝕏 Account on Wednesday, attributed her emergence to God’s design and also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, his wife, First Lady Remi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the APC governorship candidate, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; his wife, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, as well as all the party leaders and elders for their support.

Naija News reports that the deputy governorship candidate also expressed gratitude to the people of Badagry, whom she had previously represented, saying their encouragement has remained a constant source of inspiration, strength, and faith to her.

She wrote, “To the glory of God, I humbly acknowledge my nomination as the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

“Today is a reminder of the endless possibilities that have defined our Lagos. It is my hope that my story continues to serve as a reminder that there is no ceiling to our greatness.

“As a woman of faith, I have no doubt that God is the architect of our lives, and for this reason, I thank God for His benevolence and grace, which continue to order my steps along this journey.

“I convey my deepest gratitude to our president, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose exemplary leadership has deepened democratic values in our country and under whose leadership our nation is now on a stronger economic footing. My sincere appreciation to the first lady, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her encouragement and support.

“I thank our governor, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and Her Excellency Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the candidate of our party, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; his wife, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat; all the leaders, elders, and great men and women of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State led by our chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi; and all the executives and party structure from the state to the ward level.

“I extend my profound appreciation to the leadership of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for considering me worthy of this responsibility. I am especially grateful to the leadership of the Governance Advisory Council led by our respected and revered GAC leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, for their collective wisdom, which has continued to serve as an anchor for our party in Lagos State.

“I appreciate our traditional rulers, community leaders, grassroots mobilisers, women and youth leaders, and countless supporters across the state.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the people of Badagry and especially Badagry West, whom I have previously had the privilege to serve. Their encouragement has remained a constant source of inspiration, strength, and faith.”

She submitted that her emergence as the Lagos APC deputy governorship candidate is a victory for the female gender as well as young people and appreciated the massive support she has enjoyed.

“This moment belongs to all of us, especially our young people, women, and girls. I am grateful for your outpour of support and look forward to meeting you all in the coming days,” she wrote.

James promised to work with the party’s candidate and incumbent Deputy Governor, Hamzat, to ensure Lagos State remains a centre of excellence and an example to other states in Nigeria.

“It is a tremendous honour to fly the flag of our great party as deputy governorship candidate to our candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. Together, we shall work to consolidate the model of progressive governance that has distinguished Lagos as a centre of excellence and example to other subnationals.

“To every Lagosian, I thank you all. May God bless the people and government of Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she concluded in her statement.