BADAGRY youths have thrown their weight behind the candidature of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James, expressing confidence that the ticket would promote inclusive leadership, good governance and sustainable development across Lagos State.

At a grand civic reception in honour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election, hundreds of youths, young professionals, student leaders and community representatives from across the Badagry Federal Constituency came out in their large numbers to show their support.

Organised by Badagry Youths in partnership with DSJ Ambassadors at Badagry City Hall, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Abolaji Sewhude Akande, and the Team Lead of DSJ Ambassadors, Wheto Williams Olatunji, said James’ emergence was a recognition of her years of commitment to community development, grassroots mobilisation and public service, particularly among young people and women.

They noted that her nomination had “renewed our confidence that competence, loyalty and service continue to attract recognition,” adding that her record had demonstrated that “leadership is ultimately measured by its impact on people and communities.”

The youths described the occasion as an inspiration for young people to prepare themselves for leadership positions through education, innovation, enterprise, integrity and selfless service. They also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC leadership and the governorship candidate, Hamzat, while expressing confidence that the Hamzat-Sonayon ticket would “continue to promote inclusive leadership, good governance and sustainable development across Lagos State.”

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the organisers for what he described as a historic youth-driven civic reception, urging participants to sustain the momentum by mobilising support across their communities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Mr. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), congratulated Princess Damilola Sonayon James on her emergence, describing it as a proud moment for Badagry. He encouraged eligible youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process.

The Chairman of Badagry Local Council, Babatunde Hunpe urged the youths to move beyond the celebration and begin intensive grassroots mobilisation for the Hamzat-Sonayon ticket. He set a target of 100,000 votes from Badagry for President Tinubu and the Lagos APC governorship ticket, saying victory would depend on the commitment and hard work of young people across the division.

Responding, James, who thanked the organisers and the people of Badagry for the honour, described the civic reception as a call to greater service. She pledged to remain a worthy ambassador of Badagry and urged young people to remain united while sustaining support for the Hamzat-Sonayon ticket across Lagos State.