The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the camp of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have expressed support for Vice-Presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso's proposal to reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form if elected in 2027. This was disclosed in separate interviews with The PUNCH. The reactions came amid renewed debate over the NDC's position on petrol subsidy after Kwankwaso said an administration led by Obi would bring back subsidy "in our own way."
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, made the statement during an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday while discussing the fuel subsidy policy of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the subsidy. He criticised the manner in which Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office, arguing that the policy was implemented immediately without adequate consideration of its consequences.
Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, declaring that "subsidy is gone." Petrol prices subsequently rose sharply, contributing to increased transport and living costs. Obi, however, had previously said he would have removed the subsidy if elected president in 2023, but argued that the policy should have been implemented gradually and in an organised manner.
Obi's spokesman, Idris Zekeri, told The PUNCH that there was no contradiction between Obi's position and Kwankwaso's statement, arguing that the NDC was proposing a new approach to making petrol affordable while tackling corruption in the subsidy system. Zekeri said the party would work with private refineries and reform the oil sector to bring down prices and redirect resources towards improving Nigerians' lives.
Zekeri maintained that Obi's position had remained consistent since 2023, when the former governor supported removing the subsidy but criticised the way it was implemented. He also questioned the reported level of fuel consumption during the subsidy era, arguing that the system was plagued by corruption and leakages that the NDC intended to eliminate.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, referred to Obi's previous public statements on the matter, saying Obi has addressed this issue. The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, shared a similar sentiment, saying the party was in support of its presidential candidate and whatever policy position agreed upon by the party's ticket.
The NDC's support for Kwankwaso's proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with many alleging that the position seemed to be in contradiction with earlier posture by Obi. However, the party's camp believes that their proposal is a new approach to making petrol affordable while tackling corruption in the subsidy system.
Key points
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress and Peter Obi's camp support Rabiu Kwankwaso's plan to reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form if elected in 2027.
- Kwankwaso's proposal involves investing in refineries and increasing domestic production to make petrol available to Nigerians at a reasonable price.
- The NDC plans to work with private refineries and reform the oil sector to bring down prices and redirect resources towards improving Nigerians' lives.
