We’ll restore fuel subsidy after tackling corruption – Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption associated with the scheme.

Obi made the pledge on Monday during a town hall meeting organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto.

The former Anambra State governor identified corruption as a major challenge confronting Nigeria and said an administration led by him would address corruption across all 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,” he added.

Obi also urged Nigerians to vote for NDC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing the task of addressing the country’s recurring challenges as a collective responsibility.

He said the party was committed to what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians”.

The former governor expressed concern over the economic situation in the country and pledged to deploy Nigeria’s resources towards improving security, education and other sectors of the economy.

Obi also said his administration would prioritise education, declaring that it would rank behind only national unity and security on his list of priorities.

“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.

He further pledged to connect all state capitals by railway lines to facilitate economic activities and promote development.

The declaration on fuel subsidy comes amid renewed political debate over the future of petrol subsidy ahead of the 2027 elections. President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed the subsidy in 2023, while opposition figures have proposed different approaches to addressing the resulting increase in petrol prices and living costs.

Obi’s latest position places the proposed restoration of the subsidy on the condition that corruption is first tackled, with the former governor arguing that eliminating leakages would make it possible to reintroduce the policy.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also spoke at the Sokoto meeting, saying the visit was aimed at engaging residents and seeking their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, highlighted insecurity in the North-West, particularly banditry and kidnapping, and said the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket was committed to addressing the challenges.

The Sokoto State NDC governorship candidate, Shamsudeen Haido, also pledged good governance if elected, while the party’s state chairman, Bello Yabo, said the meeting provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from the presidential candidates about their plans for the country.

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