By Opeyemi Eniola
In the dynamic and sometimes intrigue-laden politics of Lagos State, where narratives of sectional groups and entrenched cabals often take centre stage, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Ojelabi has distinguished himself as a unifying leader. As the re-elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, he has consistently prioritised youth inclusion, grassroots consensus-building, and the emergence of candidates who truly reflect the aspirations of the people often pushing back against traditional power structures.
Under his stewardship, the party has embraced broader participation, placing premium on competence, loyalty, fresh ideas, and youthful energy over recycled elite dominance.
Youth at the Helm: The Deputy Governorship Choice
A shining example is the selection of Princess Damilola Sonayon-James (Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James), a vibrant 41-year-old leader, as the APC’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, pairing with Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Ojelabi described her emergence as the outcome of extensive consultations and a rigorous selection process that assessed competence, grassroots acceptance, party loyalty, and the capacity to drive sustainable development. A princess from Badagry with a solid track record as Lagos APC Deputy State Woman Leader, former Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Badagry West LCDA, and a passionate advocate for youth development, women’s empowerment, and sustainable initiatives, her choice has been hailed as “Youth O’ Clock” by supporters.
This bold move injects youthful vigour, gender balance, and stronger representation from the Badagry axis into the ticket, underscoring Ojelabi’s commitment to inclusive governance that listens to the wider public rather than a narrow circle of influencers.
Young Voices in the House of Assembly
The APC’s list of 40 candidates for the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) in 2027 further demonstrates this youth-forward agenda. Many of the flagbearers are emerging leaders with deep grassroots connections, directly countering claims of cabal control over nominations.
A notable example is Mr. Moruf Alli-Balogun, the 36-year-old APC candidate for Somolu Constituency II, who enjoys strong backing from youth groups for his vision on youth empowerment, community development, and people-centred leadership.
Ojelabi formally presented these candidates to President Bola Tinubu, who urged them to engage robustly at the grassroots. While internal contestations, typical of democratic primaries, occurred, the chairman has defended the process as a true reflection of the party’s will and democratic choice.
Local Government Leadership and Broader Inclusion
At the local level, the APC under Ojelabi has sustained a strong focus on youthful councillors and chairmanship aspirants. Notably, a huge number of the 376 councillors across the state’s local councils and LCDAs are within the youth bracket, placing governance closest to the people in the hands of the younger generation equipped to tackle contemporary issues like employment, digital innovation, and social mobility.
This is complemented by empowerment programmes, such as those in Onigbongbo, Oto-Awori, Lagos Island, Oriade and other areas, which provide tangible economic support to youths beyond mere political participation.
People’s Choice Over Political Influence
While critics occasionally allege dominance by a some people, Ojelabi’s leadership has focused on stabilising the party through consensus-building where feasible, respecting primary outcomes (subject to national oversight), and elevating candidates chosen through wider consultations rather than imposition.
By supporting figures like Princess Damilola Sonayon-James and numerous young assembly candidates, he is positioning the Lagos APC as a responsive party attuned to the state’s youthful and dynamic population. This approach emphasises party supremacy, unity, and alignment with public aspirations.
As Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi marks his birthday, millions of youths across Lagos State appreciate and celebrate him for his visionary leadership, deliberate investment in young people, and commitment to opening doors for the next generation of leaders. His second term as chairman continues to focus on building a formidable, inclusive structure ahead of 2027 — one that democratises opportunity, amplifies the people’s choices, and harnesses the energy of the youth for continued progressive governance.
This is the record: under Ojelabi, the Lagos APC is increasingly shaping the future with the perspectives and leadership of the younger generation.
Eniola, PhD in View, is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Basic and Secondary Education.