2027: Sowore Says No Office of First Lady Under His Presidency

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has said he would not establish an official Office of the First Lady if elected president in the 2027 election. Sowore made the statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not establish an Office of the First Lady. He said becoming president would not affect his marriage but maintained that his wife would not occupy an official government position by virtue of his presidency. “There is no office of First Lady in the Nigerian Constitution. Becoming the president will not abolish my marriage, but I will not have the office of First Lady.” Sowore said women would still have a voice in his proposed administration but questioned the use of public funds to maintain an office he considers unconstitutional. “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 described the decision as a policy position of his proposed administration. “I am just telling you as a matter of policy that there won’t be an office of the first lady under the Sowore presidency.” The 1999 Constitution does not expressly establish an Office of the First Lady. However, the role has existed as an informal public position, with successive presidential spouses undertaking advocacy and social initiatives. The State House currently recognises Oluremi Tinubu as Nigeria’s First Lady. Sowore also outlined other proposed changes to governance during the interview, including ending security votes for state governors and reducing what he described as unnecessary government expenditure. He said his proposed measures could save about ₦4 trillion. The comments come as political parties and presidential candidates prepare for Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Source: Gistreel, with the remarks attributed to Sowore’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. Additional reporting by Channels Television, Punch and The Sun.