LAGOS — As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Ojelabi, is being commended for promoting youth inclusion, grassroots participation and broader representation within the party’s leadership structure.
Since his re-election as state chairman, Ojelabi has overseen a series of political decisions that supporters say reflect a deliberate shift toward empowering younger leaders and strengthening internal democracy through consultation and consensus-building.
One of the most notable developments is the emergence of Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election alongside Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. At 41, Sonayon-James is regarded as one of the younger faces in the party’s top leadership and brings years of experience from her roles as Lagos APC Deputy State Woman Leader and former Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA.
Speaking on her emergence, Ojelabi said the selection followed extensive consultations and a rigorous assessment process that considered competence, party loyalty, grassroots acceptance and leadership capacity. Her nomination has been welcomed by party supporters, who describe it as a significant step toward greater youth participation, gender inclusion and stronger representation for the Badagry axis.
The party’s candidates for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly elections also reflect this approach. Several of the 40 flagbearers are young politicians with established grassroots support, a move party stakeholders say demonstrates the APC’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders.
Among them is Moruf Alli-Balogun, the 36-year-old candidate for Somolu Constituency II, whose campaign has attracted considerable support from youth groups for its focus on community development, youth empowerment and people-centred governance.
Ojelabi recently presented the party’s candidates to President Bola Tinubu, who urged them to intensify grassroots engagement ahead of the elections. While acknowledging that the primaries witnessed healthy competition, the Lagos APC chairman maintained that the outcomes reflected the democratic wishes of party members.
Beyond state-level contests, the APC leadership under Ojelabi has also continued to encourage youth participation in local government politics. A significant number of the 376 councillors across Lagos State’s local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are young people, reinforcing the party’s emphasis on involving the next generation in governance.
The party has also backed empowerment initiatives across communities including Onigbongbo, Oto-Awori, Lagos Island and Oriade, providing economic opportunities and support programmes targeted at young people.
Supporters argue that these initiatives demonstrate Ojelabi’s commitment to building an inclusive political structure anchored on consultation, party unity and merit rather than elite influence.
As the Lagos APC chairman marks another birthday, party members and youth groups have praised his leadership style, describing him as a strong advocate for youth development and broader participation in governance.
They expressed confidence that his second term as chairman will continue to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections while expanding opportunities for emerging leaders across Lagos State.
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