African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to stop addressing politicians as “His Excellency” or “Her Excellency”, arguing that many public office holders have failed to earn the honour through their performance in government.
Sowore made the call on Tuesday in a post on his verified X account, where he linked his position to Nigeria’s long-running problems with corruption, poverty, insecurity, weak public services and poor governance. His comments come as political debate gathers pace ahead of the 2027 general election.
The activist and politician, who emerged as the AAC presidential candidate for the 2027 election in May, said the use of “Excellency” for political leaders should no longer be automatic.
“No Nigerian politician should ever again be addressed as His Excellency or Her Excellency,” Sowore said.
He argued that the title was difficult to justify when Nigerians continue to face problems including unreliable electricity, pressure on hospitals and schools, insecurity and economic hardship.
Sowore said there was “nothing excellent” about decades of corruption, poverty and failed governance.
His comments reflect a wider debate in Nigeria over the titles, privileges and status attached to political office at a time when many households are struggling with high living costs.
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Sowore steps up criticism of political establishment
The latest intervention came a day after Sowore criticised several prominent politicians during discussions at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.
He challenged former Rivers State governor and former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and other politicians over their previous positions on fuel subsidy and their records in public office.
Sowore argued that politicians who had previously held senior government positions should be prepared to explain their records before seeking further public support.
He also maintained that he had consistently opposed the way fuel subsidy removal had been handled, saying ordinary Nigerians had borne much of the impact through higher transport and living costs.
His comments prompted a wider exchange at the conference, where Amaechi defended aspects of his record in government and the railway projects carried out during his time as transport minister.
Peter Obi, meanwhile, has continued to support the principle of removing fuel subsidy but has argued that the proceeds should be properly managed and invested in measures that benefit citizens. He said mismanagement of the money should not be used as an argument for restoring the subsidy itself.
That distinction is important because Sowore’s criticism does not mean all the politicians he named hold the same position on how subsidy reform should be implemented.
Debate over political titles
“His Excellency” is commonly used in Nigeria when referring to presidents, governors and some other senior political figures, although the title is largely a matter of convention and protocol rather than a measure of performance in office.
Sowore’s proposal is therefore political rather than a formal change to government rules.
There is currently no indication that the Federal Government or state authorities plan to stop using the title.
However, the AAC candidate’s intervention fits into his broader campaign against what he describes as the privileges enjoyed by Nigeria’s political elite.
Sowore has for years positioned himself as an anti-establishment candidate and has repeatedly criticised successive governments over corruption, public spending, security and the condition of public institutions. In July, he said his confrontation with Nigeria’s political establishment stretched back decades to his years as a student activist.
With Nigeria moving closer to the 2027 election, arguments over the records of former governors, ministers and presidential hopefuls are likely to become increasingly prominent.
For readers, the key point is that Sowore is calling for Nigerians to stop using the honorary title “Excellency” for politicians because of what he sees as decades of poor governance. His proposal has no legal force and does not change official protocol, but it adds to a growing political debate over leadership, accountability and the privileges attached to public office.
