The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the camp of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have formally backed the proposal by the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to reintroduce fuel subsidy in a reformed and creative form if the party is elected in 2027.
The endorsement follows Kwankwaso’s recent statement in an interview with Arise TV, in which he declared that an Obi-led administration would bring back subsidy “in our own way.” He explained that the approach would prioritise investment in domestic refining capacity, including potential government participation in building or supporting refineries, to increase local production and ensure petrol is available to Nigerians at a reasonable price.
Kwankwaso emphasised that the goal is to do “whatever it takes” to lower fuel prices while avoiding the corruption and inefficiencies of the previous subsidy regime. He also criticised the abrupt manner in which the current administration removed the subsidy in May 2023, describing it as contributing to economic hardship.
Speaking in exclusive interviews, spokesmen for the NDC and Obi’s camp clarified that there is no contradiction between Kwankwaso’s position and Obi’s longstanding views. Obi has consistently supported the principle of removing the old subsidy system due to its association with criminality and corruption, while criticising the haphazard implementation of the current policy and calling for organised, productive use of any savings.
Idris Zekeri, spokesman for Obi, stated that the ultimate objective is to end the endemic corruption in the fuel subsidy regime and seek creative ways to drive down fuel prices so that resources can be redirected to areas that immediately improve the lives of Nigerians. “We are going to bring back subsidy in ‘our own way,’ not the one we are experiencing,” Zekeri said.
“The average Nigerian needs a life that is subsidised.” He added that the party would work with private refineries, reform the oil sector across upstream, midstream and downstream segments, and eliminate leakages that previously inflated reported consumption figures.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, affirmed the party’s full support for the joint ticket’s agreed policy positions. He noted that many Nigerians are not content with current fuel prices and stressed that even capitalist nations provide subsidies for citizens’ welfare. “The NDC is ready to execute any policy that would promote [improved living conditions] and ameliorate their suffering,” the Director said.
The Obidient Movement also pointed to Obi’s existing public statements on the matter, reinforcing consistency in the party’s messaging.
