The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to restore petroleum subsidy if elected president in 2027, saying his administration would first tackle corruption in the sector and across government.
Obi made the statement on Monday during a town hall meeting for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto State. His comments come days after NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said an NDC administration would reintroduce fuel subsidy through a different approach.
Obi identified corruption as one of Nigeria’s major challenges and said his administration would take steps to eliminate corrupt practices across sectors.
“People are talking about subsidy but what is all about it is corruption. By removing the corruption, I assure you that we will bring back subsidy,” Obi said.
“The problem of Nigeria is corruption, as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country.”
The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates in the 2027 general elections, describing the task of addressing the country’s challenges as a collective responsibility.
He said the party was committed to what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”
Obi also expressed concern over the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians and promised to deploy the country’s resources towards improving security, education and other critical sectors.
“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.
He further promised to connect all state capitals by rail as part of measures to boost economic activities and promote development.
Kwankwaso speaks on fuel prices
Speaking at the same event, NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said the purpose of their visit was to engage Sokoto residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, who, according to him, prayed for the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
He said several parts of Nigeria were facing security challenges, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.
“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso had previously said an NDC government would introduce fuel subsidy “in our own way”, with increased investment in domestic refining among the measures he identified for reducing petrol prices.
The NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, also promised to provide good governance if elected in 2027.
The party’s state chairman, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the town hall meeting provided residents with an opportunity to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.
The engagement forms part of the NDC’s political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
