PETER OBI VOWS TO BRING BACK FUEL SUBSIDY IN 2027 AFTER FIGHTING CORRUPTION, SPEAKS IN SOKOTO

Peter Obi fuel subsidy 2027 talk exploded after former Anambra governor spoke in Sokoto on Monday.

At town hall for Obi Kwankwaso ticket he told crowd, “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.”

He added, “The problem of Nigeria is corruption as such if elected we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country.”

Obi is Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate. He previously backed subsidy removal and said savings should go to public needs. Monday’s words mark clear shift toward restoration after first cleaning system. His earlier position at Nigerian Bar Association 2026 conference in Port Harcourt was different. There he said, “I subscribe and maintain that you need to remove subsidy. Mismanagement of the proceeds shouldn’t be the reason for not removing it.” He argued government should save money from removal and transparently account for how funds were used. During 2023 presidential campaign Obi also argued fuel subsidy system was unsustainable and needed restructuring with resources redirected into productive sectors.

Now in Sokoto he linked subsidy to corruption and said it could be restored after corruption is addressed. He spoke at town hall meeting organised for Obi Kwankwaso presidential ticket. He urged Nigerians to vote for NDC candidates at all levels during 2027 election, saying it is collective responsibility to address country’s recurring challenges. He said NDC is committed to providing politics of care and service to Nigerians.

He expressed concerns about Nigerians economic situation, promising to deploy country resources to improve security, education and other sectors. He said, “Education is our number one priority after unity and security.” He also promised to connect all state capitals by railway lines to facilitate economic activities and boost development.

Vice presidential candidate Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor, said visit was to meet with people of Sokoto and seek their support and cooperation ahead of 2027 general elections. He said they had earlier visited Sultan of Sokoto who prayed for success of Obi Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed goodwill. He noted North West has become major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping.

Peter Obi fuel subsidy 2027 pledge lands as households still feel pinch of higher pump prices. President Bola Tinubu ended subsidy on May 29 2023 during inauguration speech with subsidy is gone. Petrol price moved from around N200 to over N1000 in many states by 2026. Cost of living, transport, food prices followed. Government says savings are funding infrastructure, student loan, CNG buses and federation account increases. Opposition says hardship is too much and subsidy should return in cleaner form.

Atiku Abubakar camp has also pushed subsidy return. Former senator Dino Melaye said Atiku plan could see fuel sell around N400 to N500. Both opposition camps are now using cheaper petrol as campaign line against Tinubu government. That puts 2027 race on subsidy again even though many economists argue removal was needed but implementation lacked safety nets.

Obi also promised to use national resources for security education and rail links between state capitals. He asked voters to support NDC candidates at every level. He said all state capitals will be connected by railway lines to facilitate economic activities and boost development.

Pledge raises questions about financing. If subsidy returns, how much will it cost, how will corruption be removed, will it be targeted, will it be direct payment or price control. Obi says first fight leak then bring support back. He did not give detailed costing in Sokoto but framed problem as corruption not subsidy itself.

The declaration has generated reactions online. Some supporters say restoring subsidy after cleaning system will reduce hardship. Critics say it is reversal from earlier support for removal and will be expensive. The NDC ticket is trying to blend Obi base in South East and youth vote with Kwankwaso base in North West. Sokoto town hall was chosen to show strength in core North West.

Campaign season for 2027 is already loud. INEC has set dates for PVC collection and political activities. Every major candidate is talking cost of living. Fuel price is top of list because it affects transport, food and business cost. Whether a new subsidy can be clean and affordable is question Nigerians will keep asking. Obi says fight the leak first then bring the support back.

What is clear is Peter Obi fuel subsidy 2027 position now differs from August position. In August he reiterated support for removal arguing mismanagement of proceeds was not enough reason to reverse. In September Sokoto he promises restoration after tackling corruption. That shift will be tested in debates and policy documents NDC is expected to release.

For voters in Sokoto, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano, message is simple. Remove corruption, bring back subsidy, use resources for security, education and rail. Whether voters believe cleaner subsidy is possible will shape 2027.

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