The NDC presidential candidate also pledges to prioritize security, education and railway development, promising to connect all state capitals by rail.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to restore petroleum subsidy if elected president in 2027, insisting that his administration would first address corruption within the system.
Obi made the promise on Monday during a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto State, where he identified corruption as one of the major challenges undermining Nigeria’s development.
Speaking at the event, the former Anambra State governor argued that corruption was at the heart of the controversy surrounding petroleum subsidy, assuring Nigerians that tackling corrupt practices would make it possible to bring back the intervention.
“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.
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He further promised to eliminate corruption across government sectors if elected, describing the fight against graft as a central part of his proposed administration’s agenda.
“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.
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Obi Outlines Economic, Security and Education Priorities
Beyond the proposed restoration of petroleum subsidy, Obi outlined key areas his administration would prioritise, including economic recovery, national security and education.
He called on Nigerians to support NDC candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections, describing the responsibility of addressing the country’s challenges as a collective effort.
Obi stressed that education would be a major focus of his proposed government, alongside national unity and security, promising to deploy the country’s resources towards improving critical sectors.
“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.
The former governor also unveiled an infrastructure proposal to connect all state capitals across Nigeria by railway, saying the initiative would facilitate economic activities and promote development across the country.
Subsidy Pledge Marks Shift From Earlier Position
Obi’s latest declaration represents a change in emphasis from his previously reported position on petroleum subsidy.
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He had earlier opposed simply returning to the former subsidy arrangement, instead advocating improved management of public resources and measures to ease the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
His latest comments suggest that his proposed approach would involve tackling corruption in the subsidy system before reintroducing the policy.
However, further details of how a future NDC administration would fund the proposed subsidy, determine its structure and prevent abuses were not provided in his remarks at the town hall meeting.
Kwankwaso Highlights Insecurity in the North-West
Also speaking at the event, NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said the delegation had travelled to Sokoto to engage residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, disclosed that the team had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, who, according to him, offered prayers for the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.
He also raised concerns about insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, describing them as challenges requiring urgent attention.
“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” Kwankwaso said.
The Sokoto town hall meeting forms part of the candidates’ engagement with residents as they seek support for their proposed political programme ahead of the 2027 elections.
