2027: Obi Will Restore Fuel Subsidy in ‘Different Form’ — Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said a government led by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would reintroduce fuel subsidy through a different approach if elected in 2027.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, made the statement during an interview with Arise News while discussing fuel prices, subsidy policy and the economic measures of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said the NDC would seek to make petrol more affordable by expanding domestic refining capacity and increasing local production.

“We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” Kwankwaso said when asked whether the party’s position on subsidy could affect its campaign in the North-West.

He explained that the proposed approach could involve greater government investment in refineries, arguing that increased domestic refining would reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and help lower prices.

According to him, the objective would be to ensure that Nigerians can buy petrol at what he described as a reasonable price.

Kwankwaso said the government could establish additional refineries where necessary, particularly if private investors were unable to provide sufficient refining capacity to meet national demand.

“What is the minimum requirement? The minimum requirement is for the people across the country to go to filling stations and buy fuel at a reasonable price,” he said.

The NDC chieftain also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy by the Tinubu administration shortly after it assumed office in May 2023.

Kwankwaso acknowledged that the major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had campaigned on subsidy removal but faulted the timing and manner in which the policy was implemented.

He argued that the government should have considered the wider consequences of the decision before removing the subsidy immediately.

The debate over fuel subsidy has remained a major issue in Nigeria amid high petrol prices and broader concerns about the cost of living.

Kwankwaso’s comments place the NDC’s proposed fuel policy among the competing economic positions expected to feature prominently in the 2027 presidential campaign.