2027: Why Badagry got Lagos deputy gov’ship slot

T he All Progressives Congress (APC) has rewarded Lagos State’s Badagry Division with the deputy governorship slot on its ticket for the 2027 governorship election following the selection of Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as running mate to the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat. The choice of Sonayon-James is being viewed within political circles as a strategic move by the ruling party to strengthen its support base in the western flank of the state while recognising the contributions of Badagry Division to the growth and stability of the APC in Lagos. Daily Trust reports that prior to the governorship primaries of the party which produced the current Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat as the flagbearer, there was widespread agitation from the Badagry division to rule the state. Earlier in March, traditional rulers from Badagry Division urged the party’s leadership to zone the state’s governorship seat to the division ahead of the 2027 elections. The demand was formally presented at a press conference addressed by Dr. Oba Olalekan Sejuro Ogungbe James, who spoke on behalf of royal fathers and key stakeholders from Badagry. They described the call as a deliberate effort to correct what the monarchs see as a long-standing imbalance in the political structure of the state. Also, Dr. Sameul Ajose, a governorship aspirant from the zone insisted on going ahead with the primary before he later stepped down to pave way for Hamzat’s emergence. A source within the party said the agitation from the division played a major role in the choice of the deputy governorship. Another source said, “The choice was a way of righting the wrong done to women when the party’s leadership chose a male-male ticket instead of the usual practice of male-female ticket.” It would be recalled that since the return to democracy in 1999, Lagos has produced the highest number of female deputies. Former Governors Akinwunmi Ambode, Babatunde Fashola had female deputies just as President Bola Tinubu also had female deputies when he served as governor. Who is Sonayon-James? A grassroots politician, Sonayon-James currently serves as the Deputy State Chairman of the APC in Lagos State. She previously held the position of State Assistant Woman Leader, where she played a key role in mobilising support for the party and championing women’s participation in politics. Her emergence marks a significant milestone for Badagry Division, which has long sought greater representation in the state’s highest political offices. Beyond her party responsibilities, Sonayon-James has served as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), gaining experience in grassroots governance and community development. Academically, she holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and a degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. She is also an entrepreneur and sustainability professional, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of DGS Chauffeurs and Logistics, with experience spanning human resources, logistics and business development. Meanwhile, Ajose said James’ emergence was a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, service, and commitment to the ruling party. He noted that the development represented a proud moment for the people of Badagry, who have for years advocated greater representation in the political leadership of Lagos State. “I warmly congratulate Princess Damilola Sonayon James on your emergence as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate for Lagos State,” Ajose said. “This is a proud moment for Badagry and a well-deserved recognition of your dedication, service, and commitment to our great party,” he said.