By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James |
IKOYI, LAGOS – In a surprising and candid revelation, Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has disclosed that he had never met nor possessed the phone number of Princess Damilola Sonayon James prior to her emergence as his running mate.
Dr. Hamzat made the disclosure during the public presentation of Who Is She? held on Thursday at the Syrian Club Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. He offered attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous, merit-based consultation process that led to the selection of the Badagry-born politician as the APC deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming 2027 elections.
According to Dr. Hamzat, the process began when he suggested to party leadership that the next deputy governorship ticket should intentionally spotlight a young female leader. This proposal received immediate backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"The President called me and said, 'You guys go and sort it out.' I said, 'Sir, I think it should be a female.' He said, 'It's okay.' I also said it should be young, and he agreed," Dr. Hamzat recounted to the audience.
Geopolitical balancing also played a critical role in narrowing down the search. Because Dr. Hamzat hails from Lagos East and the incumbent Governor is from Lagos Central, the slot was constitutionally and strategically zoned to Lagos West, paving the way for a candidate from the Badagry division.
Despite the extensive regional search, Dr. Hamzat emphasized that Princess Damilola—who serves as the APC Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos State—was chosen entirely on the strength of her track record, bypassing any criteria of personal acquaintance.
"Until Damilola was chosen, I didn't know her phone number. I got her phone number from somebody," Dr. Hamzat revealed.
He underscored that her selection was a testament to her extensive grassroots mobilization and unwavering commitment to community development. "The important thing is that she's been very active in the community. She's been doing great things," he added.
Dr. Hamzat used the platform to inspire the younger generation, particularly young women, urging them to look past pessimistic media narratives and focus on value-driven participation in society.
"Our young ladies, when you listen to television, you hear all sorts of negative things about this country. Don't believe it. Opportunities still exist for those willing to contribute positively to society," he advised.
Echoing these sentiments, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised the ticket, describing the pairing of Dr. Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James as a dynamic blend of governance experience, political innovation, and deep-rooted connection to the grassroots. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the APC ticket is positioning itself to champion inclusive growth and effective leadership across Lagos State.