Presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC) has taken a bold stance ahead of the 2027 election, promising to scrap Office of First Lady if he wins the presidency. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Tonight on Thursday, Sowore argued that the Nigerian constitution contains no explicit provision for the role, and that maintaining it drains public resources that could be redirected to pressing development needs. Why Scrap Office of First Lady Matters in Nigerian Politics The Office of First Lady, though not constitutionally mandated, has become a quasi‑institution in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Successive first ladies have headed charitable foundations, spearheaded health campaigns, and managed sizeable budgets funded through the federal treasury. Critics argue that the office operates in a legal grey area, lacking clear accountability mechanisms. Sowore’s proposal taps into a growing public sentiment that seeks greater fiscal transparency and a leaner government structure. In recent polls, a significant portion of Nigerians expressed frustration over perceived extravagance linked to the first lady’s initiatives, especially in a climate of rising inflation and a struggling naira. Constitutional Grounds for Abolition According to Sowore, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not allocate any official duties, powers, or remuneration to the spouse of the president. He cited Section 4, which outlines the executive powers of the president, and noted the absence of any mention of a “First Lady” role. This legal vacuum, he argues, makes the office an unnecessary appendage that can be eliminated without constitutional amendment. Legal scholars have weighed in, noting that while the constitution does not forbid the creation of such an office, it also does not provide a framework for its oversight. This ambiguity has allowed successive administrations to define the role at their discretion, often leading to overlapping responsibilities with ministries and agencies. Fiscal Implications and Public Spending Financial analysts estimate that the Office of First Lady commands an annual budget ranging from ₦5 billion to ₦12 billion, depending on the projects undertaken. While these funds are earmarked for social welfare programmes—such as maternal health, education scholarships, and women’s empowerment—there is limited public reporting on outcomes and expenditures. Sowore’s campaign promises to reallocate these resources toward critical sectors like infrastructure, health, and education. He highlighted the need for a transparent budgeting process, where every naira spent on public projects is traceable and subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Political Reactions Across Party Lines The proposal has sparked a lively debate within Nigeria’s political arena. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the office, emphasizing the positive impact of first‑lady‑led initiatives on vulnerable communities. In contrast, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a cautious stance, acknowledging the constitutional concerns but warning against abrupt abolition without a transition plan. Opposition parties, including the Labour Party and smaller regional groups, have largely welcomed Sowore’s call, seeing it as an opportunity to challenge entrenched patronage networks. Civil society organisations, such as the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), have called for a comprehensive review of all unelected offices that receive public funds. Public Opinion and Grassroots Movements On the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, youth groups and student unions have organised town‑hall meetings to discuss the merits of scrapping the Office of First Lady. Many participants expressed that the move could set a precedent for reviewing other non‑constitutional entities, such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) administrative structures. Social media trends, particularly on Twitter and TikTok, have amplified the conversation. Hashtags like #ScrapFirstLady and #Sowore2027 have trended intermittently, reflecting a blend of support, skepticism, and calls for more detailed policy outlines. Implementation Challenges and Transition Plans Should Sowore win the 2027 election, the practical steps to dismantle the office will involve several layers of bureaucracy. First, the presidential office would need to issue an executive order terminating the Office of First Lady’s budget line. Next, the National Assembly would have to pass a complementary amendment to ensure that any ongoing projects are either transferred to relevant ministries or concluded responsibly. Stakeholders have raised concerns about the fate of existing programmes, especially those that rely on the first lady’s patronage for funding. Sowore has pledged to establish a transitional task force that will audit current initiatives and recommend integration into existing government agencies, thereby preserving benefits for beneficiaries while eliminating duplication. Comparative Perspective: Lessons from Other African Nations While Nigeria remains one of the few African countries with a formally recognised Office of First Lady, other nations have taken varied approaches. South Africa’s first lady operates without a dedicated budget, focusing on advocacy rather than program administration. Ghana, on the other hand, maintains a modest office that primarily supports charitable activities, funded through private donations rather than state coffers. These examples illustrate that it is feasible to retain the symbolic role of a presidential spouse while curbing fiscal excesses. Sowore’s proposal could inspire a broader continental dialogue on the appropriate scope of unelected offices in democratic governance. Looking Ahead: The 2027 Electoral Landscape As the 2027 presidential race heats up, Sowore’s promise to scrap Office of First Lady adds a distinctive policy pillar to his campaign platform, alongside his long‑standing advocacy for digital rights, electoral reforms, and economic diversification. Voters are increasingly evaluating candidates not just on charisma but on concrete governance proposals that address everyday challenges. Analysts suggest that the issue could become a litmus test for broader anti‑corruption and transparency agendas. If Sowore’s message resonates, it may compel other candidates to articulate clearer positions on the role of unelected offices and public spending. FAQ What constitutional basis does Sowore cite for scrapping the Office of First Lady? He points to the absence of any mention of a first‑lady role in the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the office lacks legal grounding. How much money does the Office of First Lady currently receive? Estimates vary, but annual allocations are believed to range between ₦5 billion and ₦12 billion, depending on the projects undertaken. Will existing first‑lady programmes be discontinued? Sowore proposes a transition task force to audit and either integrate or responsibly conclude ongoing initiatives. For more details on Sowore’s statement, see the original interview on Daily Post Nigeria. 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