Reported by Simon yusuph, | Journalist at wengglobal
As Nigeria gradually shifts attention toward the 2027 general elections, human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has unveiled a technology-driven manifesto that places artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and digital governance at the centre of his proposed reforms. The manifesto outlines an ambitious vision aimed at tackling corruption, improving transparency in public finance, and modernising Nigeria’s governance architecture through digital innovation.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), argued that Nigeria’s longstanding governance challenges can no longer be addressed solely through conventional anti-corruption agencies or political promises. Instead, he proposed deploying emerging technologies to automate accountability, reduce human interference in public financial management, and create a transparent system where government transactions can be monitored in real time.
The proposal is expected to feature prominently in his campaign as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
AI and Blockchain as Anti-Corruption Tools
According to Sowore, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology could fundamentally transform how Nigeria manages public resources by reducing opportunities for fraud and financial mismanagement.
He proposed that government revenues, procurement processes, budget implementation, and public expenditures should be migrated onto secure digital platforms capable of providing verifiable and tamper-resistant records.
Blockchain, a distributed digital ledger technology, has increasingly gained global recognition for its ability to store records that cannot easily be altered. Advocates argue that applying the technology to government transactions would make it significantly harder to conceal or manipulate public funds.
Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, could be deployed to detect suspicious financial patterns, flag irregular contracts, identify procurement anomalies, and automate compliance checks across ministries, departments, and agencies.
According to Sowore, these technologies would reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks while strengthening transparency and public confidence in government institutions.
Transparency and Public Finance
A major component of the manifesto focuses on opening Nigeria’s public finance system to greater public scrutiny.
Sowore proposed that Nigerians should have digital access to government spending records, project implementation updates, procurement contracts, and budget allocations through technology-powered platforms.
He argued that citizens deserve to know how tax revenues, oil earnings, and other public resources are utilised, adding that technology can help eliminate secrecy surrounding government finances.
The proposal aligns with broader international calls for open government initiatives, digital budgeting systems, and transparent procurement processes that reduce corruption risks.
Governance experts have increasingly recommended digital financial management systems as effective tools for improving accountability, particularly in developing economies where manual processes often create opportunities for abuse.
Digital Transformation Beyond Anti-Corruption
Beyond fighting corruption, the manifesto presents technology as a catalyst for broader national development.
Sowore proposed expanding digital infrastructure across the country while improving internet connectivity, e-government services, and digital identity systems.
He argued that government services should become largely paperless, allowing citizens to access permits, licences, tax services, healthcare information, education records, and other public services electronically.
The manifesto also highlights investments in technology education, innovation hubs, software development, and digital entrepreneurship to prepare Nigerian youths for an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
According to the proposal, modern governance should prioritise efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making rather than relying on outdated administrative structures.
Reforming Public Institutions
The manifesto further calls for institutional reforms designed to strengthen accountability across all levels of government.
Sowore maintains that technology alone cannot eliminate corruption unless supported by independent institutions, judicial reforms, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
He advocates comprehensive reforms across anti-corruption agencies, law enforcement institutions, procurement systems, and public service operations to complement technological innovations.
The proposal also seeks greater transparency in government appointments, contract awards, recruitment processes, and public asset declarations.
According to the manifesto, integrating digital systems into governance would reduce discretionary powers often exploited for corrupt practices.
Economic Implications
Analysts note that digital governance reforms could improve investor confidence if effectively implemented.
Transparent financial systems are generally considered attractive to domestic and foreign investors because they reduce uncertainty, strengthen regulatory confidence, and improve the ease of doing business.
Nigeria has over the years pursued several digital reforms, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Bank Verification Number (BVN), Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), all aimed at improving accountability in public finance.
Sowore’s proposal builds on these existing reforms by advocating more advanced technologies capable of automating transparency across government operations.
However, experts caution that successful implementation would require significant investments in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, technical expertise, legislative backing, and nationwide digital literacy.
Challenges to Implementation
While blockchain and AI continue to gain popularity globally, implementing such technologies at a national scale presents considerable challenges.
Nigeria continues to grapple with inconsistent electricity supply, internet connectivity gaps, cybersecurity concerns, and limited digital infrastructure in many rural communities.
Technology experts also warn that deploying AI in governance requires robust data protection laws, ethical safeguards, and independent oversight to prevent misuse or algorithmic bias.
Similarly, blockchain-based public finance systems would require interoperability across government institutions, legal recognition of digital records, and substantial capacity building for civil servants.
Funding such reforms may also become a major policy consideration given competing national priorities.
Political Context Ahead of 2027
Sowore previously contested Nigeria’s presidential elections in 2019 and 2023 under the African Action Congress platform.
Although he did not emerge victorious, he has remained an outspoken advocate for governance reforms, accountability, youth participation, and institutional restructuring.
His latest manifesto appears aimed at distinguishing his campaign through technology-focused governance proposals at a time when digital transformation is becoming increasingly important across governments worldwide.
Political observers believe technology, employment, economic reforms, education, and security will dominate discussions leading to the 2027 elections as Nigerians evaluate competing policy alternatives.
Broader Global Trend
Across the world, governments are increasingly exploring artificial intelligence and blockchain applications to improve public administration.
Countries including Estonia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and several European nations have expanded digital government services using advanced technologies to improve efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and strengthen transparency.
International organisations such as the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations have also encouraged responsible adoption of digital technologies to improve governance while emphasising strong regulatory frameworks, privacy protections, and cybersecurity safeguards.
Whether Nigeria adopts similar reforms will ultimately depend on political commitment, institutional readiness, legislative support, and sustained investment in digital infrastructure.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, Sowore’s manifesto introduces technology-driven governance into the national political conversation, presenting voters with proposals that seek to redefine how transparency, accountability, and public service delivery could be achieved in Africa’s largest democracy.
Sources
- Reuters
- Associated Press (AP)
- Channels Television
- Premium Times
- Punch Newspapers
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Daily Trust
- BBC News
- The Cable
- Arise News
