Hundreds of youths from across the Badagry Federal Constituency on Sunday endorsed the governorship ticket of Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Damilola Sonayon ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, pledging grassroots support for the All Progressives Congress candidates.

The endorsement was made during a civic reception organised by Badagry Youths in partnership with DSJ Ambassadors at the Badagry City Hall to honour Sonayon, the APC deputy governorship candidate.

The event brought together youth organisations, student leaders, young professionals, voluntary associations, political support groups and representatives of community youths delegated by traditional rulers across the Badagry Federal Constituency.

In a civic address jointly signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Abolaji Akande, and the Team Lead of DSJ Ambassadors, Wheto Olatunji, the organisers described Sonayon’s emergence as recognition of her years of commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment and public service.

They said her nomination had renewed confidence that competence, loyalty and service continued to earn recognition within the party.

“Her emergence has renewed our confidence that competence, loyalty and service continue to attract recognition,” the organisers said.

They added that her leadership journey should inspire young people to prepare themselves for public office through education, innovation, enterprise, integrity and selfless service.

The organisers also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the APC leadership and Hamzat for what they described as inclusive leadership, expressing confidence that the Hamzat-Sonayon ticket would promote good governance and sustainable development across Lagos.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the organisers for staging what he described as a youth-driven civic reception and urged participants to sustain the momentum ahead of the 2027 election.

“This is a historic youth-driven initiative. The energy demonstrated here should translate into mobilisation across communities ahead of the elections,” Ogunlende said.

Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Rauf Yemaren, congratulated Sonayon on her emergence, describing it as a proud moment for the Badagry Division.

He urged eligible young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process.

Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Babatunde Hunpe, challenged the youths to move beyond celebration and begin intensive grassroots mobilisation for the APC ticket.

He set a target of 100,000 votes from Badagry for President Bola Tinubu and the Hamzat-Sonayon governorship ticket, saying electoral victory would depend largely on the commitment of young people.

Responding, Sonayon thanked the organisers and residents of Badagry for the reception, describing the endorsement as a call to greater responsibility.

“This honour is a call to greater service. I will continue to be a worthy ambassador of Badagry and work for the progress of Lagos State,” she said.

She urged young people to remain united and continue mobilising support for the Hamzat-Sonayon ticket across the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.