NIGERIA | POLITICS

Omoyele Sowore has unveiled another unconventional proposal for his planned 2027 presidential bid, saying he would replace traditional ministerial roles with technology if elected President of Nigeria.

The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate said he would appoint Artificial Intelligence (AI) as Minister of Finance and a drone as Minister of Defence, arguing that technology should take precedence over political patronage in governance.

Sowore made the declaration in a post on his X account on Friday, outlining what he described as a technology-driven approach to managing the country’s finances and strengthening national security.

“Sowore2027 will appoint Artificial Intelligence as ‘Minister of Finance’ and a ‘Drone’ as Minister of Defence,” he wrote.

According to him, AI would help eliminate human manipulation, waste and corruption in public finance by making decisions based on data and ensuring greater transparency.

He added that the use of drones would transform national security through modern surveillance, rapid response, precision and accountability.

“The future of governance is technology, not patronage,” the activist stated.

Sowore has consistently advocated sweeping institutional reforms, digital governance and reduced political interference in public institutions. He has often argued that technology can improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in government operations.

His latest proposal comes amid growing global discussions about the use of artificial intelligence in policymaking, public finance management and national security. Governments around the world are increasingly exploring AI-powered systems to improve service delivery, although the technology has also raised concerns about ethics, accountability and the need for human oversight.

Sowore had previously said that his Minister of Defence would be “a drone” if he became President of Nigeria.

He made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television on January 5, 2026, and later repeated the position during a live appearance on Arise TV in May 2026.

During his appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Sowore said: “If I become Nigeria’s president tomorrow, my minister of defence will be a drone. That’s how much I believe in technology.”

He argued against the acquisition of traditional and expensive fighter jets, advocating instead for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Sowore later reinforced the position on his official X account, arguing that a drone would not be an idle bureaucrat “sitting in an air-conditioned office writing reports” while security challenges continued to worsen.

He said conventional fighter jets require lengthy training, complex logistics and substantial maintenance, while drones could provide a more cost-effective and precise tactical response.

The AAC candidate also criticised senior military officers for remaining in Abuja instead of taking a more active role in managing conflicts on the front lines.

He proposed the establishment of a central command-and-control system powered by drones and artificial intelligence to conduct real-time surveillance, track criminal networks and provide logistical support or medical supplies to troops deployed in conflict zones.

With his latest proposal to place AI in charge of the country’s finances, Sowore has once again presented technology as a central pillar of his proposed approach to governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.