The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said his administration would consider restoring fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, after addressing corruption associated with the subsidy system.
Obi made the statement while discussing his economic plans and the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on Nigerians.
He said the previous subsidy regime was affected by corruption and that any decision to reintroduce it would require measures to prevent public funds from being diverted.
Obi said the objective would be to reduce the burden of high petrol prices on Nigerians while ensuring that government resources were properly managed.
The former Anambra State governor has previously criticised the manner in which the petrol subsidy was removed, while acknowledging the corruption associated with the former system.
His position comes amid renewed debate among political parties and presidential candidates over whether some form of fuel subsidy should be restored ahead of the 2027 election.
The NDC and the camp of its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have also previously supported a different approach to subsidy, saying corruption in the system should first be addressed.
Obi said any subsidy arrangement under his proposed administration would have to be structured differently from the previous system.
The debate over petrol subsidy remains a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties divided over the economic and social implications of removing or restoring the policy.
