2027: Sowore Vows to Scrap Office of First Lady Under His Presidency

The African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said his administration would not create or maintain an official Office of the First Lady if he is elected president in the 2027 general election.

Sowore made the position known on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Tonight, where he argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not establish an official position for the president’s wife.

The AAC candidate explained that becoming president would not affect his marriage, but his wife would not occupy a formal government position or operate an official office as First Lady.

Sowore said his administration would still ensure that women have a voice and are properly represented in government. However, he questioned the use of public funds to maintain an office that is not created by the Constitution.

He maintained that government resources should instead be directed towards projects and programmes that would benefit Nigerians.

Sowore said the decision would form part of his policy if he becomes president, adding that the absence of an official Office of the First Lady would not prevent women from participating in his administration or contributing to national development.

The 1999 Constitution does not specifically establish an Office of the First Lady as a government institution. Despite this, the position has traditionally been associated with the president’s wife and has been used for public engagements and social initiatives.

The State House currently recognises Oluremi Tinubu as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sowore’s position comes as political parties and presidential candidates begin to set out their programmes and policy positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.