African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has said he would not seek medical treatment abroad if elected president in the 2027 general election, declaring that he would rely on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Sowore made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed his proposed approach to governance and the use of public resources.
The former presidential candidate said he would not leave Nigeria to seek treatment for an illness that could not be managed locally.
“Any sickness that I can’t treat in Nigeria when I become president should better kill me,” Sowore said during the interview.
His comments come amid longstanding public debate over medical tourism by Nigerian political office holders. The issue has frequently attracted attention because of concerns about the quality and capacity of healthcare facilities in Nigeria and the use of public resources for overseas medical treatment.
Sowore linked his position to his broader argument that elected officials should prioritise public service and avoid using government positions for personal or family benefits. He said his administration would focus on improving conditions in Nigeria rather than relying on privileges outside the country.
The AAC candidate also discussed the role of family members in government, saying he would not create an official Office of the First Lady if elected. He argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not establish such an office, while stressing that his position would not affect his marriage.
Sowore said women would still participate in his administration but questioned the need for a publicly funded office for a First Lady.
The comments are significant as presidential candidates begin to outline their positions on healthcare, governance and the cost of running government ahead of the 2027 election.
Sowore, who contested the presidency in previous elections, is seeking the office again on the AAC platform. His latest remarks form part of his campaign messaging on accountability, public spending and the use of government resources.
