If I Were President, My Defence Minister Would Be a Drone — Sowore

Former presidential candidate and rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has stirred national debate after proposing a radical shift in Nigeria’s defence architecture, declaring that if elected president, he would scrap the position of Minister of Defence and replace it with a technology-driven security framework anchored on drones.

Sowore made the remarks during a televised interview on Monday, where he criticised Nigeria’s conventional military spending and procurement processes, describing them as outdated, bureaucratic, and ineffective in tackling modern security threats.

Call for a Technology-First Defence Strategy

According to Sowore, Nigeria’s persistent insecurity — ranging from banditry and kidnappings to insurgency — demands a departure from traditional warfare tools such as fighter jets. He argued that unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, offer a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective solution.

“If I were president of Nigeria, I would stop buying fighter jets entirely. I would invest heavily in unmanned aerial vehicles,” Sowore said. “Drones may appear expensive, but in reality, they are far more effective and efficient.”

Akahi News gathered that Sowore believes a small team of trained operators could deploy multiple drones simultaneously, enabling real-time surveillance across difficult terrains where criminal groups often operate.

Drones as a Tool Against Kidnapping and Banditry

Explaining the practical advantages of drone technology, Sowore noted that even relatively low-cost drones can cover wide distances within minutes, making them suitable for tracking kidnappers and armed groups hiding in forests and remote locations.

He maintained that with sufficient deployment, security agencies could monitor movement patterns, identify criminal hideouts, and coordinate rapid response operations without risking the lives of personnel.

“Five operators can manage ten drones. Within minutes, you can track movements in forests and alert ground forces to move in,” he explained.

Criticism of Traditional Military Investments

Sowore also criticised the continued investment in fighter jets, which he described as time-consuming and costly, especially given the lengthy training periods and challenges associated with maintenance and spare parts.

Drawing examples from global conflicts, he argued that modern warfare is increasingly reliant on advanced aerial technology rather than conventional air power.

Observers noted that his comments align with growing global discussions about the future of warfare and the increasing relevance of drone technology in intelligence gathering and precision operations.

A Provocative Political Statement

In one of his most striking remarks, Sowore stated that under his leadership, Nigeria would not require a defence minister in the traditional sense.

“My minister of defence would be a drone,” he said, underscoring his belief that technology, rather than bureaucracy, should drive national security decisions.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity across multiple regions, Sowore’s proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as visionary while others see it as overly simplistic for a complex security landscape.

Nevertheless, Akahi News learnt that the comments have reopened conversations about defence reform, accountability, and the urgent need for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.

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