By Opeyemi Eniola

Sir: In a political landscape long dominated by familiar faces and advancing ages, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has delivered a refreshing recalibration. By unveiling the 41-year-old Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the running mate to Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Lagos APC has sent a powerful message: the future of governance must be built on both experience and generational renewal.

Dr Hamzat, born on September 19, 1964, and now in his early sixties, represents tested leadership and administrative competence. An agricultural engineer by training with a PhD from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, his career spans both the private and public sectors. From professional engagements with global institutions and major corporations to his service as Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology and Deputy Governor since 2019, Hamzat has built a reputation as a thoughtful technocrat and dependable public servant.

His emergence as the APC flagbearer was widely anticipated, positioning him as the natural successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Yet, beyond the expected candidacy of Hamzat lies the true headline of this political moment.

Sonayon-James embodies a compelling blend of royal heritage, grassroots credibility, professional expertise, and youthful energy. A granddaughter of the late Oba Afolabi Ogungbe James of Kweme Kingdom and daughter of the late Hon. Bolarinwa Sonayon James, former member of the House of Representatives, she hails from Badagry West and carries a legacy of public service.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Human Resources Management from the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialisation in Community Development, Sonayon-James has distinguished herself across multiple spheres. Her experience spans sustainability and ESG consultancy, business leadership as Managing Director of DGS Chauffeurs & Logistics, and grassroots governance through her service as Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA.

As the current Deputy State Woman Leader of the APC, she has become a respected mobiliser of women and young people, championing empowerment initiatives while maintaining deep community connections. Affectionately known by supporters as the “Sisi Eko of APC,” her selection that was announced after extensive consultations, recognises both her personal contributions and Badagry’s longstanding loyalty to the party.

The imperative of youthful voices in a young nation
Nigeria’s demographic reality makes this decision not merely symbolic but profoundly strategic. With a median age estimated at between 18 and 19 years, Nigeria remains one of the youngest countries in the world. The nation’s future depends on its ability to harness the creativity, innovation, resilience, and aspirations of its youth population. Nowhere is this more evident than in Lagos, Africa’s largest city and economic nerve centre, where challenges such as youth unemployment, digital transformation, housing deficits, climate resilience, education reform, and economic inclusion dominate public discourse.

The elevation of a woman in her early 40s to a deputy governorship ticket challenges the longstanding culture of gerontocracy that has shaped much of Nigeria’s political leadership. Critics may argue that 40 is not young enough, yet in the context of Nigerian politics, it represents meaningful progress.

For decades, youth inclusion has often been reduced to symbolic appointments, advisory roles, or ceremonial positions with limited influence. This time, however, the APC has placed a capable and experienced younger leader directly within the state’s highest executive structure and firmly within the line of succession. It is a reminder that leadership potential should not be postponed until gray hair arrives.

Sonayon-James’s advocacy for women’s inclusion, youth development, and community-centred governance positions her to champion issues that resonate deeply with Lagos’ youthful population. Her background in local governance, sustainability, and social development gives her the capacity to contribute meaningfully to conversations around agricultural modernisation, environmental management, social protection, and economic empowerment.

Balance, strategy, and substance
One of the greatest strengths of the Hamzat—Sonayon-James ticket lies in its balance. It combines seasoned executive experience with fresh perspectives, institutional memory with contemporary insight, and proven leadership with emerging dynamism. At a time when Lagos faces increasingly complex challenges: from infrastructure expansion and security concerns to economic diversification and rapid urbanization, such a partnership offers a broader governance toolkit than either generation could provide alone.

Politically, the calculation is equally astute. The ticket has the potential to consolidate party unity, energise grassroots supporters, appeal to women and younger voters, and reinforce the APC’s image as a party willing to evolve with changing realities. By recognising Badagry’s contributions and aspirations, it also strengthens geographical inclusion and deepens political cohesion across Lagos’ diverse communities. In a state where regional balance and inclusivity remain important considerations, the decision reflects strategic foresight as much as political pragmatism.

Beyond symbolism: The road to delivery
Nevertheless, symbolism alone will not satisfy Lagosians. The people of Lagos are known for their sophistication, high expectations, and insistence on results. Should this ticket succeed at the polls in 2027, its ultimate evaluation will rest not on representation alone but on measurable impact.

Youthful representation must translate into youthful innovation.

It must inspire stronger investments in skills acquisition, technology-driven education, entrepreneurship development, affordable housing, transparent governance, and sustainable urban planning. The promise of generational renewal will only be fulfilled if it produces policies that tangibly improve the lives of ordinary Lagosians. 

Sonayon-James’s record suggests considerable potential. Yet the true test will be ensuring that the office of Deputy Governor serves as a platform for influence, innovation, and meaningful governance rather than ceremonial visibility.

A model for Nigerian democracy
Beyond Lagos, this candidacy presents an example worthy of national reflection. Nigeria’s democracy would benefit greatly from leadership tickets that intentionally blend experience with renewal, stability with innovation, and competence with diversity. Political parties across the country should recognise that ignoring the aspirations of a youthful population risks deepening alienation, while embracing younger generations in meaningful leadership roles strengthens democratic ownership and long-term stability.

The Hamzat—Sonayon-James ticket reflects an important principle: governance is strongest when wisdom and energy work together. For a state overflowing with talent, ambition, and opportunity, this combination may prove particularly relevant.

Conclusion
Lagos stands at a defining crossroads caught between the pressures of a rapidly changing future and the opportunities presented by its immense human capital.

The Hamzat—Sonayon-James ticket offers more than a political calculation; it presents a vision of governance that seeks to bridge generations, broaden participation, and create pathways for emerging voices to shape public leadership. Whether that vision ultimately translates into transformative governance will be determined by the electorate in 2027.

For now, however, the ticket has succeeded in injecting a renewed sense of optimism into Lagos’ political conversation, one that is rooted in the belief that the future belongs not to one generation alone, but to a partnership between experience and possibility.

Opeyemi Eniola (PhD in view) is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Basic and Secondary Education.