In a state as politically sophisticated and demographically diverse as Lagos, electoral victories are rarely achieved by chance. They are carefully engineered through a combination of competence, representation, political calculation, and public appeal. By pairing Hamzat with Sonayon-James, the APC appears to have assembled a ticket that ticks virtually every box.
At the top of the ticket is Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, a name that has become synonymous with policy implementation, administrative efficiency, and continuity in governance. Born on September 19, 1964, into one of Lagos’ notable political families, Hamzat has spent decades building a reputation as one of the state’s most accomplished technocrats.
Armed with degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Ibadan and a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, Hamzat’s professional journey has taken him through global financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, as well as Nigeria’s energy sector through Oando. Yet it is his public service record that has earned him widespread recognition.
As Commissioner for Science and Technology between 2005 and 2011, he championed digital reforms that modernized government operations.
The implementation of Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning systems, biometric verification initiatives, and other technology-driven reforms significantly reduced inefficiencies and helped eliminate ghost workers from government payrolls. His later role as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure further strengthened his reputation as a results-oriented administrator.
Since 2019, Hamzat has served as Deputy Governor of Lagos State, playing a critical role in overseeing infrastructure development and ensuring policy continuity. His commanding victory in the APC governorship primary, where he secured an impressive 657,917 votes, underscored both his popularity within the party and the confidence stakeholders have in his leadership credentials.
If Hamzat represents continuity, experience, and institutional knowledge, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James brings a different but equally important dimension to the ticket.
A princess from the revered Kweme Kingdom in Badagry West LCDA, Sonayon-James embodies a unique blend of royal heritage, modern professionalism, and grassroots political engagement. She is the granddaughter of the late Oba Afolabi Ogungbe James and daughter of the late Hon. Bolarinwa Seyon James, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives.
Her educational journey began in Badagry before taking her abroad, where she earned a degree in Business Management and Human Resources from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work with specialization in Community Development from LAUTECH.
Professionally, she has built a distinguished career in sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) management, and risk assessment. As Head of Sustainability Risk at Conrad Clark and BOLT Nigeria, she has worked extensively on issues relating to sustainable development and responsible corporate practices. Through the BSJ Foundation, she has also demonstrated a strong commitment to youth empowerment, women’s development, and community advancement.
Politically, Sonayon-James is no newcomer. From her days as Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA to her rise within the APC’s women leadership structure, she has steadily built a reputation as a grassroots mobilizer and advocate for inclusive governance.
What makes this pairing particularly fascinating is the synergy it creates.
Hamzat brings the technocratic depth, policy expertise, and governance experience required to manage Africa’s most economically important city. Sonayon-James contributes grassroots credibility, sustainability expertise, youthful energy, and a direct connection to communities that have long sought greater inclusion in the state’s political equation.
Beyond individual qualifications, however, the ticket carries a deeper political significance.
For decades, many residents of Badagry Division have argued that the area, despite its historical importance and consistent support for the APC, has remained underrepresented at the highest levels of Lagos politics. Since the creation of Lagos State, no governor has emerged from the division, fueling persistent conversations about political marginalization and equitable representation.
The emergence of Sonayon-James as deputy governorship candidate has therefore been welcomed by many as a significant milestone. It sends a message that every division of Lagos , from Lagos Island, Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe deserves a meaningful voice in governance.
The development did not happen in isolation. Many observers acknowledge the role played by notable Badagry stakeholders, particularly Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold . As a governorship aspirant, Ajose consistently drew attention to the concerns of Badagry people, advocating for greater inclusion and equitable representation. His campaign helped bring the conversation about regional balance into the mainstream of APC politics and contributed to elevating Badagry’s visibility within the party.
Looking ahead, Lagosians will naturally judge this ticket not by symbolism alone but by its ability to deliver tangible results.
The expectation is that a Hamzat administration would build upon the developmental foundations already laid by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while introducing fresh ideas in technology, infrastructure, and urban planning. At the same time, Sonayon-James’ background in sustainability and community development raises hopes for stronger investments in environmental protection, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and grassroots engagement.
There is also optimism that Badagry’s enormous economic and tourism potential will receive greater attention, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, border trade opportunities, and social services.
Ultimately, the APC’s Hamzat–Sonayon-James ticket appears to be more than just an electoral arrangement. It is a carefully crafted political statement about continuity, inclusion, competence, and representation.
Whether opponents can effectively challenge such a balanced combination remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the APC has entered the 2027 race with a ticket that combines experience and innovation, technocratic expertise and grassroots appeal, as well as statewide leadership and regional inclusiveness.
For now, the Hamzat–Sonayon-James partnership stands as one of the most intriguing political developments in Lagos ahead of 2027 and perhaps one of the strongest tickets the state has seen in recent years.
