2027: Sowore Vows to Scrap Office of First Lady if Elected President

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to scrap the Office of the First Lady if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Sowore made the declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not recognise the Office of the First Lady.

He said his election as president would not affect his marriage, but his wife would not assume any official position or operate an Office of the First Lady.

“The Nigerian Constitution does not include a position called First Lady. Becoming president won’t end my marriage, but I won’t take on the role of First Lady,” Sowore said.

The AAC candidate said women would continue to have a role in his administration but opposed the use of public funds to maintain an official position for the president’s wife.

He argued that resources allocated to such an office should instead be directed towards development projects and other government priorities.

“Women’s voices will be heard, but I don’t think we need a First Lady who is in a position that goes against the constitution and is just spending money that should be used for moving forward and building things,” he said.

Sowore maintained that his proposed administration would not create an official position for the president’s spouse, describing the policy as part of his broader approach to governance and public spending.

“I’m just letting you know, based on our policies, there won’t be a position for the first lady during Sowore’s presidency,” he added.

The declaration forms part of Sowore’s campaign positions ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political parties and candidates continue to unveil policies and programmes they intend to pursue if elected.

The debate over the status and funding of activities associated with the Office of the First Lady has featured periodically in Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly because the position is not expressly established by the Constitution.