2027: Obi Makes U-Turn, Promises To Restore Fuel Subsidy, Blames Corruption For Nigeria’s Crisis

Reloaded News Desk

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to restore petroleum subsidy if elected president in 2027, while identifying corruption as one of the major problems responsible for Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.

Obi made the pledge on Monday at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto, where he outlined several priorities of a proposed NDC administration.

His position marks a significant shift from his earlier position on fuel subsidy.

In August, Obi had maintained that subsidy removal was necessary and argued that alleged mismanagement of the savings from the policy was not sufficient reason to reverse it.

But speaking in Sokoto, he said the central problem was corruption surrounding the subsidy system.

“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 his administration would seek to eliminate corruption across government and specifically address corruption associated with fuel subsidy before restoring it in another form.

“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.

The declaration comes as the question of petrol subsidy has become an increasingly important issue in the 2027 presidential contest.

Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had also recently said the NDC would introduce its own form of subsidy, with greater emphasis on domestic refining capacity. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has separately proposed restoring petrol subsidy if elected, while the Tinubu administration has continued to defend its removal.

Beyond fuel pricing, Obi expressed concern about the economic condition of Nigerians and said government resources should be directed towards improving security, education and other critical sectors.

He identified education as his administration’s number one priority after national unity and security.

Obi also promised to connect all state capitals by railway, saying improved transportation infrastructure would facilitate economic activity and development.

He urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing the party’s proposed approach as a “politics of care and service.”

The former Anambra State governor’s intervention comes against the backdrop of growing political arguments over poverty, the cost of living, fuel prices and the direction of Nigeria’s economic reforms.

The ruling All Progressives Congress has defended the removal of subsidy and other reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, while opposition candidates have increasingly presented alternative approaches to cushioning their effects.

Kwankwaso, who also spoke in Sokoto, said the North-West remained particularly affected by banditry and kidnapping and pledged that the NDC would address the security challenges facing the region.

The NDC leaders also visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, during their engagement in the state.

With the 2027 presidential contest taking shape, the renewed debate over subsidy is likely to become one of the major points of difference between the leading political camps.

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