The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have expressed different positions on fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, stated that an administration led by Peter Obi would reintroduce fuel subsidy, but through a different approach.
He made this known during an interview on Tuesday while discussing fuel pricing and the removal of subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on how the NDC would address the rising cost of petrol, Kwankwaso said the party would introduce its own form of subsidy.
“We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” he said.
He explained that the government could invest in the construction of refineries to increase domestic production and make petrol available to Nigerians at a reasonable price.
According to him, if private individuals could build refineries, the government could also establish additional refineries to meet the country’s fuel requirements.
Kwankwaso added that the NDC would take necessary measures to reduce the price of petrol and ease the burden on Nigerians.
The former Kano governor also criticised President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy immediately after assuming office in May 2023.
He argued that although the major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had supported subsidy removal, the policy was implemented too quickly without adequate consideration of its potential consequences.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has previously maintained that fuel subsidy should remain removed, with the resources saved redirected towards sectors such as healthcare and other public services.
The differing statements have drawn attention to the NDC’s approach to fuel pricing and subsidy as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
