Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to reintroduce petroleum subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption within the system.
Obi made the declaration on Monday at a town hall meeting held in Sokoto for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket, where he outlined some of the economic and infrastructure priorities of a potential NDC government.
According to the former Anambra State governor, corruption remains a fundamental challenge affecting Nigeria’s economy and public institutions. He argued that addressing corruption in the petroleum sector would create room for a new approach to 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.
“The problem of Nigeria is corruption, as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country,” he said.
Obi’s comments come amid renewed political debate over the future of petrol pricing and subsidy ahead of the 2027 elections.
President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, a policy that was followed by a significant increase in fuel prices and rising transportation and living costs. The subsidy question has since remained a major issue in discussions about Nigeria’s economic reforms.
The NDC presidential candidate said his proposed approach would focus on eliminating what he described as corruption and leakages associated with the subsidy system before considering its restoration.
His latest position follows comments by his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recently said an NDC government would reintroduce subsidy “in our own way.” The party and Obi’s camp have explained that the proposed model would be different from the previous system and would involve measures aimed at reducing the cost of petrol.
At the Sokoto meeting, Obi also urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates across various levels of government in the 2027 elections. He described the task of addressing Nigeria’s challenges as a collective responsibility and said the party was committed to what he called a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”
He further identified security and education among the key areas his administration would prioritise, promising to deploy national resources towards improving critical sectors.
“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” Obi said.
The former governor also unveiled a railway expansion proposal under which state capitals would be connected by rail. He said the plan would help stimulate economic activity and support development across the country.
Kwankwaso speaks on insecurity
Also addressing the gathering, NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said the delegation was in Sokoto to engage residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso said the team had earlier paid a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, who, according to him, prayed for the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and expressed goodwill towards the presidential bid.
The former Kano State governor also drew attention to the security situation in the North-West, particularly the challenges posed by banditry and kidnapping.
“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” he said.
Kwankwaso had previously linked the NDC’s proposed approach to petrol pricing with greater investment in domestic refining and increased local production.
The Sokoto engagement also featured the party’s state-level candidates and officials.
The NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in 2027.
The party’s state chairman, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the town hall meeting provided an avenue for residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans, while also allowing participants to engage with the party’s proposed agenda.
The Sokoto event forms part of the NDC’s ongoing political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket continues consultations with communities and party structures across the country.
