Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said corruption must first be tackled before his administration would consider restoring fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Obi made the declaration on Monday at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto, where he identified corruption as a major challenge confronting Nigeria and promised to address it across all 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,” he added.
The statement represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over the future of petrol pricing and subsidy ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Obi had previously argued that subsidy removal should be maintained if accompanied by proper management of the resulting savings and investments in productive sectors.
At the Sokoto engagement, the former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, 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 also expressed concern over the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, promising that a government under his leadership would deploy the country’s resources to strengthen 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 with railway lines to facilitate economic activities and promote development across the country.
Also speaking, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the purpose of the visit was to engage with residents of Sokoto and seek their support and cooperation 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 while several parts of Nigeria were experiencing security challenges, the North-West had become a major hotspot for 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, 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 provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.
