Obi Makes U-turn, Pledges Reinstatement of Fuel Subsidy

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to reinstate petroleum subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption associated with the scheme and across other sectors of the economy.

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

He identified corruption as a major challenge confronting Nigeria and said his administration would take steps to eliminate corrupt practices across government and other 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.”

The former Anambra State governor also urged Nigerians to use the 2027 elections to vote for NDC candidates at all levels, describing the task of addressing the country’s challenges as a collective responsibility.

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

Obi expressed concern over the economic situation in the country, promising that an NDC administration would deploy national resources towards improving security, education and other critical sectors.

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

He also pledged to link all state capitals by railway to facilitate economic activities, improve connectivity and promote national development.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the delegation was in Sokoto to engage residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, who, according to him, prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.

He noted that several parts of the country were grappling with security challenges, with the North-West particularly affected by banditry and kidnapping.

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

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

The state chairman of the party, Bello Yabo, said the town hall provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.

The claims and pledges were made by the NDC candidates during their Sokoto engagement and represent their stated campaign positions ahead of the 2027 elections.