Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has promised to reinstate fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption across the country.
Obi made the pledge on Monday during a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto State, where he outlined his positions on the economy, security, education and infrastructure.
The former Anambra State governor said the controversy surrounding fuel subsidy was largely linked to corruption and argued that eliminating corrupt practices would make it possible for his administration to restore the subsidy.
“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.
He added that, if elected, his administration would seek to stop corruption in every sector of the economy.
The pledge marks a change in emphasis from comments Obi made in August, when he maintained that petrol subsidy needed to be removed and argued that the mismanagement of savings from its removal should not be used as a reason to reverse the policy.
More recently, the NDC and Obi’s camp backed Vice-Presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso’s proposal for a different form of subsidy aimed at reducing petrol prices while tackling corruption associated with the previous regime. Obi has also said there is no disagreement between him and Kwankwaso on the issue, arguing that corruption in the subsidy system must first be addressed.
At the Sokoto meeting, Obi also said his administration would prioritise national unity and security, followed by education, which he described as a major priority.
He promised to deploy Nigeria’s resources to improve security, education and other sectors of the economy, while also proposing to connect state capitals across the country with railway lines to facilitate economic activity and development.
Kwankwaso, who is the NDC vice-presidential candidate, said the visit was aimed at engaging residents and seeking their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The renewed debate over fuel subsidy comes after President Bola Tinubu announced its removal in May 2023. Since then, political parties and presidential contenders have offered different proposals on how to address petrol prices, domestic refining and the management of subsidy-related funds.
