The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to reinstate petroleum subsidy if elected in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption.
Obi made the statement on Monday at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto. His remarks were also reported by Vanguard and P.M. News.
He identified corruption as a major challenge facing the country and said an NDC administration would take measures to address it across different 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 called on Nigerians to vote for NDC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing efforts to address the country’s challenges as a collective responsibility.
He said the party was committed to what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern over the state of the economy and pledged to channel the country’s resources towards improving security, education and other sectors.
“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” Obi said.
He further promised to connect all state capitals by rail to facilitate economic activities and support development.
Also speaking, NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said the purpose of the visit was to interact with Sokoto residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, who he said prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.
He noted that several parts of the country were dealing with security challenges, particularly the North-West, where he said banditry and kidnapping remained major concerns.
“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 2027.
The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the town hall gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for Nigeria.
