Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has said he would restore petroleum subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, but only after addressing corruption in the system.
Obi made the declaration on Monday during a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto State.
The former Anambra State governor identified corruption as a major problem affecting the country’s economy and public institutions.
He said his proposed approach to subsidy would be tied to efforts to eliminate corrupt practices surrounding the petroleum sector.
“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.
“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 statement places fuel subsidy among the economic measures Obi says he would reconsider if elected.
His position comes against the background of the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023, a decision that led to a sharp increase in fuel prices and contributed to wider debates over the cost of living and government spending.
The issue has remained politically sensitive, with the government defending the broader economic reforms while Nigerians continue to face concerns over the effect of fuel prices on transportation, food prices and household expenses.
Obi, however, argued that the central issue was not simply whether subsidy should exist, but how corruption and leakages within the system could be dealt with.
He said his administration would take action against corruption across government if given the mandate to govern the country.
The NDC candidate also used the Sokoto engagement to appeal to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged Nigerians to support candidates of the party at different levels, describing the responsibility of rebuilding the country as a collective one.
According to him, the NDC would pursue what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”
Obi also spoke about the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians and outlined some of the areas he said would receive attention under his administration.
He listed security and education among the priorities of his proposed government, while promising that national resources would be deployed to improve critical sectors.
“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor further disclosed plans to develop railway infrastructure across the country.
He said his administration would seek to connect state capitals with railway lines as part of efforts to improve transportation, encourage economic activities and support development.
The railway proposal formed part of the broader infrastructure agenda he presented to the people of Sokoto during the meeting.
The Obi-Kwankwaso held an engagement in Kaduna earlier in September, where Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, interacted with residents and discussed issues including insecurity, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the economy.
In Sokoto, Kwankwaso also addressed the gathering and explained the purpose of the delegation’s visit.
The former Kano State governor said the team came to interact with residents and seek their support as the party prepares for the next general election.
He disclosed that the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto. According to Kwankwaso, the traditional ruler prayed for the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill to the presidential team.
Kwankwaso also focused on insecurity, particularly the situation in the North-West.
He said several parts of Nigeria were dealing with security challenges, but noted that banditry and kidnapping had become major concerns in the North-West.
“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate said the party would seek to address the security situation if given the opportunity to govern.
The meeting also featured the party’s candidates and officials in Sokoto State.
The NDC governorship candidate in the state, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, promised to provide good governance if elected in 2027.
The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the town hall gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from the presidential candidates.
He said the engagement allowed Obi and Kwankwaso to explain their plans and vision while also giving party supporters and residents an avenue to participate in the political discussion.
The Sokoto meeting is part of a wider push by the NDC to strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party has also been working on its formal campaign structure, with consultations involving Obi, Kwankwaso and the NDC leadership reportedly ongoing.
The party previously said an organogram for its presidential campaign had been prepared and that the two candidates were involved in the process of selecting key campaign officials.