Obi: Corruption must go before fuel subsidy returns

SOKOTO — Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said his administration would reinstate petroleum subsidy if elected president in 2027, but only after tackling corruption.

Obi stated this on Monday while addressing a town hall meeting held in Sokoto for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

According to the former Anambra governor, corruption remains a central problem affecting the country and must first be addressed before the subsidy regime can be restored.

“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.

He added: “The problem of Nigeria is corruption, as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country.”

Obi called on Nigerians to support NDC candidates across the various levels of government during the 2027 general elections, saying solving the country’s problems requires collective effort.

He also said the party was committed to what he termed a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”

Addressing the country’s economic difficulties, Obi said an NDC government would channel national resources into security, education and other critical sectors.

“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate further promised to link all state capitals by rail, saying the project would boost economic activities and development.

Kwankwaso highlights North-West insecurity

NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said the purpose of the Sokoto visit was to engage residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso 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.

The former Kano State governor also drew attention to the security challenges affecting different parts of Nigeria, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.

“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” Kwankwaso said.

Meanwhile, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected.

The party’s state chairman, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the town hall meeting allowed residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for Nigeria.

Obi’s latest statement comes amid an ongoing debate within the NDC over how a future administration would address fuel prices and subsidy. Kwankwaso had earlier said an Obi-led NDC government would reintroduce subsidy “in our own way.”

Africans Angle News