As the 2027 general elections approach, the role of deputy governorship candidates in Lagos State is becoming increasingly important. The candidates, including Princess Damilola Sonayon-James of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Abosede Bolanle Akorede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Hon. Grace Oluwatobi Coker of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), are being seen as crucial to the electoral calculations of their parties. This is because, aside from the constitutional provision that requires a governorship nomination to be complete with a deputy governor, the running mates also serve ethnic, geopolitical, religious, and ethnic balancing roles.
Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, hails from the Lagos West senatorial district, which is regarded as the largest voting bloc in the state. Her emergence as the running mate to Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the incumbent deputy governor, has reignited a long-running political conversation over equity, zoning, and power rotation in Nigeria’s commercial capital. Lagos West senatorial district has remained one of the state’s most influential political blocs, but it has yet to produce a governor in the current Fourth Republic.
The Lagos West senatorial district has produced three deputy governors since the return to democratic rule in 1999, including Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule. However, the district has not produced a governor, fueling calls for a more balanced power-sharing arrangement. In contrast, Lagos Central senatorial district has produced three governors since 1999, while Lagos East has produced one governor, Akinwumi Ambode. Sonayon-James’ emergence is seen as a strategic nomination that could strengthen Lagos West’s push for the number one spot someday.
The Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, described Sonayon-James’ emergence as the outcome of a wide consultation and rigorous selection process. Sonayon-James is a grassroots politician and community development advocate who has served as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA and currently holds the position of Assistant State Woman Leader of the APC. She has also authored a book, "Who Is She?", advocating greater investment in women as drivers of community development.
Following her emergence, Sonayon-James expressed appreciation to the APC leadership, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and party supporters across Lagos. She described her nomination as proof that dedication, loyalty, and grassroots service could create opportunities for women and young people in politics. She also pledged to work with the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, to deepen inclusive governance, strengthen party unity, and sustain Lagos’ development trajectory.
The unveiling of Mrs. Khadijat Bello as the running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Adedeji Doherty, has opened another chapter in the opposition party’s effort to present an alternative ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The Lagos PDP formally presented Bello as the party’s deputy governorship candidate at an event attended by party leaders, candidates, and members from the 20 Local Government Areas of the state and the South-West zone.
The emergence of deputy governorship candidates in Lagos State has significant implications for the 2027 general elections. The candidates are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the electoral fortunes of their parties. As the elections approach, the focus will be on how the candidates navigate the complexities of Lagos State politics and contribute to the overall success of their parties.
Key points
- The deputy governorship candidates in Lagos State, Nigeria, are emerging as key players in the 2027 general elections.
- Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, hails from the Lagos West senatorial district, which is regarded as the largest voting bloc in the state.
- The emergence of deputy governorship candidates in Lagos State has significant implications for the 2027 general elections.
