“Stop Wasting Public Money” — Sowore Vows to Scrap First Lady Office
Abuja, Nigeria—September 17, 2026—African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has drawn a firm line in the sand, declaring that there will be no official Office of the First Lady under his presidency if he wins the 2027 election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher argued that the position simply does not exist in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“There is no office of First Lady there (Nigerian Constitution). Becoming the president will not abolish my marriage, but I will not have the office of First Lady,” Sowore stated. “Women will be heard, but I don’t believe that you need a first lady who is holding an unconstitutional position and just wasting money that is meant for progress and projects.”
He framed the decision as a clear policy choice: public resources currently supporting an unofficial office should instead go into infrastructure, development programmes, and tangible national progress.
Constitutional Reality vs Political Tradition
The Nigerian Constitution makes no provision for a First Lady. The role has evolved over decades as a ceremonial and advocacy position, often used by successive presidents’ wives to champion women’s and children’s issues. Critics have long questioned its funding, accountability, and constitutional basis, noting that it operates outside formal budgetary and oversight structures.
Sowore’s stance echoes earlier positions taken by some past leaders and candidates who argued that the office lacks legal foundation. He stressed that abolishing the formal office would not silence women or diminish their role in governance. Instead, he said women’s concerns would be addressed through proper constitutional channels and inclusive policies.
Part of a Broader Reform Message
The declaration fits Sowore’s wider 2027 campaign platform, which has focused on radical accountability, economic justice, and breaking from established political practices. He has previously promised measures such as a ₦500,000 monthly living wage, 24-hour electricity, free education, and large-scale public housing if elected.
As one of the confirmed presidential candidates for 2027, Sowore continues to position the AAC as a distinct alternative to the dominant parties. His latest comments are likely to spark fresh debate about the place of informal power structures in Nigerian governance and the proper use of public funds.
Whether the promise resonates with voters or faces pushback from those who value the traditional First Lady role remains to be seen. For now, Sowore has made his position unmistakable: if he becomes president, the unofficial office ends.
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