I got my running mate’s number from someone, says Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat disclosed that he obtained the phone number of his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, from a third party after she was chosen as the All Progressives Congress's deputy governorship candidate. Hamzat recounted the selection process during the launch of the book "Who Is She?" in Ikoyi, Lagos.

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The President called me and said, you guys go and sort it out, and I’m quoting him. I said, sir, I think it should be a female. He said, it’s okay. It should be young. He said, it’s okay.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu instructed party leaders to select a female and young running mate. Hamzat also noted that the choice had to consider political balancing within the state, ensuring the candidate was not from the eastern or central senatorial districts, as he and the current governor are from those regions, respectively. The candidate ultimately needed to be from the western district.

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But my point is that until Damilola was elected, I don’t know her phone number. I got her phone number from somebody.

Despite the lack of prior personal interaction, Hamzat emphasized Sonayon-James's suitability based on her active community involvement and commitment to grassroots development. The Lagos APC announced Sonayon-James, the party's Deputy Woman Leader, as Hamzat's running mate for the 2027 governorship election, citing her competence, local acceptance, party loyalty, and leadership qualities.

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But what is the important thing? The important thing is that she’s been very active in the community. She’s been doing great things.