We’ll Restore Subsidy After Tackling Corruption — Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to restore the petroleum subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general election, saying his administration would first address corruption in the system.

Obi made the pledge on Monday at a town hall meeting held in Sokoto for supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

The former Anambra State governor identified corruption as one of the major problems affecting Nigeria and said his administration would target corrupt practices across different sectors of the economy.

He argued that the subsidy system had been affected by corruption and maintained that addressing such problems would make it possible for his administration to consider restoring the subsidy.

Obi also urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates across the various levels of government during the 2027 elections. He described the task of addressing the country’s challenges as a collective responsibility and said the party was committed to a form of politics focused on public service and the welfare of citizens.

The former governor expressed concern about the country’s economic situation and said his administration would direct national resources towards improving security, education and other key areas if elected.

He identified education as a major priority of his proposed administration, alongside national unity and security.

Obi also promised to connect all state capitals by railway as part of plans to improve transportation, stimulate economic activity and support development across the country.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who also attended the meeting, said the delegation was in Sokoto to engage residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 election.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto. He said the monarch prayed for the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and expressed goodwill towards the delegation.

He also spoke about security challenges affecting different parts of the country, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West. He said the NDC was committed to addressing the problems and improving security across Nigeria.

Earlier at the event, 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 meeting allowed residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their proposed plans and vision for the country.