The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has backed Rabiu Kwankwaso’s proposal to reintroduce fuel subsidy under a possible Peter Obi-led government in 2027.
Kwankwaso, the party’s vice-presidential candidate, made the statement during an Arise TV interview. He said the NDC would bring back subsidy “in our own way.” According to him, the government could invest in refineries and boost local production. This, he said, would help make petrol more affordable for Nigerians.
Kwankwaso also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the subsidy in May 2023. Tinubu announced the policy during his inauguration, saying, “subsidy is gone.” Petrol prices later jumped, pushing up transport and living costs.
However, Obi had supported subsidy removal during the 2023 election campaign. He argued that the policy should have been removed gradually and properly.
“There is nothing wrong with the removal of the fuel subsidy,” Obi said.
“What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.”
Meanwhile, Obi’s spokesman, Idris Zekeri, said there was no contradiction between both positions. He explained that the NDC wants a new subsidy model without the corruption linked to the old system.
“The ultimate goal is to end the endemic corruption associated with the fuel subsidy regime,” Zekeri said.
He added that the party would work with private refineries and reform the oil sector. The goal, he said, is to reduce petrol prices and improve Nigerians’ living conditions.
Similarly, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director backed the party’s position. He said the party supports any policy that eases economic pressure on Nigerians.
“The question is, are Nigerians contented and happy with the manner they are buying fuel for N1,500?” he asked.
For now, the NDC says its proposed approach would combine cheaper petrol with tighter controls on subsidy spending. The party also wants to tackle corruption across the oil industry.
