The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to restore petroleum subsidy if elected in 2027, maintaining that his administration would first eradicate systemic corruption to make the measure sustainable.
Speaking on Monday during a town hall meeting organized for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto, the former Anambra State governor identified deep-seated corruption as Nigeria’s primary underlying crisis. “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 declared, emphasizing that an NDC administration would prioritize ending corrupt practices across every sector of the nation’s economy.
Urging Nigerians to rally behind NDC candidates at all levels in the upcoming 2027 general elections, Obi framed the effort to overcome the country’s multi-faceted challenges as a collective national responsibility.
He noted that his prospective administration would focus heavily on revitalizing the economy, restoring security, and reforming education, with public resources directed strategically toward critical sectors.
Pointing to structural development priorities, he asserted that education remains his top agenda item after national unity and security, while also pledging to interconnect all state capitals by rail to streamline economic activity and drive uniform growth.
This policy commitment marks a notable shift from Obi’s previous stance on petroleum subsidy arrangements.
Although he historically criticized simply returning to the legacy subsidy structure—advocating instead for improved resource management and direct interventions to cushion economic hardship—he now insists that purging corrupt middle-tier practices is the prerequisite for reinstating price reliefs safely for citizens.
Also addressing the Sokoto town hall gathering, NDC vice-presidential candidate and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso noted that their delegation was in the state to engage directly with residents and build grassroots support ahead of the 2027 polls.
Kwankwaso disclosed that the team had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, who offered prayers for the ticket’s success and conveyed his goodwill.
He further drew attention to pressing regional security concerns, particularly banditry and widespread kidnapping impacting the North-West zone.
Concluding the engagement, Kwankwaso reaffirmed the ticket’s commitment to tackling these persistent national challenges directly to create a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
Party leaders present expressed optimism about their unified ticket, emphasizing that their joint leadership offering brings both track record and executive experience needed to reform the nation’s governance model.
