2027: We’ll reinstate subsidy after curbing corruption in Nigeria — Obi

Pledges not to provide money to party agents for purpose of inducing voters during polls

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has pledged to reinstate petroleum subsidy after tackling corruption in the country.

Obi made the pledge at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto on Monday.

He said corruption remained the major challenge confronting Nigeria, adding that his administration, if elected, would tackle corruption across all sectors.

“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.

Obi urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to vote for NDC candidates at all levels, saying it is a collective responsibility to address the country’s recurring challenges.

He said the party is committed to providing what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”

The former Anambra governor also expressed concerns over the economic situation of Nigerians, promising to deploy the country’s resources to improve security, education and other sectors of the economy.

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

He also promised to connect all state capitals with railway lines to facilitate economic activities and boost development.

The NDC presidential candidate also declared that he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not provide money to party agents for the purpose of inducing voters during the 2027 general elections.

Obi, who described the practice of giving money to voters on election day as vote-buying, said it was among the factors contributing to the persistence of poverty in the country.

He said: “We are not ready to give money to party agents to entice voters. That is vote-buying, and it is part of the reason why poverty continues to rise in the country.”

The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, assured that adequate security arrangements would be made to protect voters and ensure that votes were properly counted and recorded.

Also speaking, the NDC Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the visit was to meet with the people of Sokoto and seek their support and cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said they had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, where he prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.

He said although various parts of Nigeria were facing challenges, the North-West had become a major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping.

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

Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto state, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in the 2027 elections.

The state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the meeting provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.