Youth coalition endorses Hamzat–Sonayon ticket in Badagry

Hundreds of youths, young professionals, student leaders and community representatives from across the Badagry Federal Constituency on Sunday endorsed the Lagos State governorship ticket of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James. The endorsement took place at a civic reception organised in honour of the All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The event, hosted at Badagry City Hall by Badagry Youths in partnership with DSJ Ambassadors, drew participants from across the Badagry Division, including youth organisations, student leaders, voluntary associations, political support groups and community youth representatives delegated by traditional rulers. Organisers said the gathering underscored the growing involvement of young people in the state's political process and reflected widespread support for the Hamzat–Sonayon governorship ticket.

Speakers and organisers linked the show of support to sustained youth mobilisation for the 2027 polls. They highlighted the ticket’s appeal across communities in Lagos State and positioned the reception as a platform to consolidate grassroots engagement for the APC.

Organisers frame nomination as recognition of service

In a civic address jointly signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Abolaji Sewhude Akande, and the Team Lead of DSJ Ambassadors, Wheto Williams Olatunji, organisers described Princess Sonayon James’ emergence as the APC deputy governorship candidate as recognition of her years of dedication to community development, grassroots mobilisation and public service.

renewed our confidence that competence, loyalty and service continue to attract recognition.

— Abolaji Sewhude Akande, Chairman, Planning Committee; and Wheto Williams Olatunji, Team Lead, DSJ Ambassadors

Her record has demonstrated that leadership is ultimately measured by its impact on people and communities.

— Abolaji Sewhude Akande, Chairman, Planning Committee; and Wheto Williams Olatunji, Team Lead, DSJ Ambassadors

The address further described the reception as an inspiration for young people to prepare themselves for leadership through education, innovation, enterprise, integrity and selfless service. The organisers also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC leadership and the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressing confidence that the Hamzat–Sonayon ticket would continue to promote inclusive leadership, good governance and sustainable development across Lagos State.

Officials urge mobilisation and voter registration ahead of 2027

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the organisers for what he described as a historic youth-driven civic reception. He urged participants to sustain the momentum by mobilising support across their various communities ahead of the 2027 elections.

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

In his remarks, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, urged young people 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos APC governorship ticket, stressing that electoral victory would depend on the commitment and hard work of youths across the division.

Candidate responds with pledge of service and unity

Responding, Princess Damilola Sonayon James expressed appreciation to the organisers and the people of Badagry for the honour bestowed on her. She described the civic reception as a call to greater service and pledged to remain a worthy ambassador of Badagry.

She urged young people to remain united and sustain support for the Hamzat–Sonayon ticket across Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Organisers and attendees emphasised continued collaboration to translate the momentum from the reception into effective electoral mobilisation.