Obi Reverses Stance, Promises to Restore Fuel Subsidy

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he will restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, reversing his earlier position on the policy.

Obi made the declaration on Monday at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto.

The former Anambra State governor said his administration would tackle corruption before bringing back the subsidy regime.

He argued that corruption remained at the heart of Nigeria’s economic problems and pledged to eliminate leakages across government 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.”

Obi had earlier opposed a return to fuel subsidy after President Bola Tinubu removed the payment arrangement in May 2023.

He had instead argued that savings from subsidy removal should go towards addressing the needs of Nigerians and developing critical sectors.

His latest position therefore marks a change in his earlier stance as the 2027 election approaches.

President Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. His administration has since maintained that it will not return to the old arrangement.

Tinubu has instead promoted alternative energy sources and other measures aimed at reducing the impact of rising petrol prices on households and businesses.

At the Sokoto meeting, Obi urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates at all levels during the 2027 general elections.

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

Obi also expressed concern over the economic difficulties facing citizens and promised to deploy Nigeria’s resources towards 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, saying the project would facilitate economic activities and accelerate development across the country.

Also speaking, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the delegation visited Sokoto to meet residents and seek their support ahead of the elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto.

He said the traditional ruler prayed for the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill to the delegation.

Kwankwaso also highlighted the security challenges confronting the North-West, particularly banditry and kidnapping.

He said the party would work to address the problems and improve the security situation if elected.

“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” Kwankwaso said.

Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in 2027.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the town hall allowed residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso.

He said the engagement also gave the candidates an opportunity to explain their plans and vision for Nigeria ahead of the general elections.