morganabLE politics/elections
Kwankwaso also faulted the manner in which the Tinubu administration implemented the subsidy removal policy, arguing that it was abrupt and lacked adequate safeguards to cushion its impact on citizens
KaNo—
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the camp of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have thrown their weight behind the proposal by the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to reintroduce fuel subsidy in a modified form if elected in 2027.
The endorsement was disclosed in separate interviews with Punch, as party officials sought to clarify what they described as widespread misinterpretation of Kwankwaso’s recent comments on the contentious petrol subsidy debate.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, had stirred fresh discussion on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television, where he said an Obi-led administration would “bring subsidy in our own way.”
His remarks came amid ongoing economic concerns following the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu shortly after assuming office in May 2023.
In his inaugural address, the President declared that “subsidy is gone,” a move that triggered a sharp nationwide increase in petrol prices and contributed to rising transportation costs and inflationary pressures for households and businesses.
Kwankwaso, while addressing concerns about how the NDC would campaign in regions such as the North-West where there is significant support for subsidy reinstatement insisted that the party would not face difficulties.
“No, no, no, look. We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” he said.
He explained that the approach being considered would differ from past subsidy regimes, which have been widely criticised for corruption and inefficiency.
According to him, the proposed model would focus on boosting domestic refining capacity and increasing local production to ensure that petrol becomes more affordable for Nigerians without necessarily returning to the old system of direct government subsidies.
Kwankwaso also faulted the manner in which the Tinubu administration implemented the subsidy removal policy, arguing that it was abrupt and lacked adequate safeguards to cushion its impact on citizens.
“The removal was done without proper planning and consideration of the consequences,” he said, echoing concerns raised by several stakeholders since the policy took effect.
Obi, for his part, has consistently maintained that while fuel subsidy needed to be removed, the process should have been gradual and well-structured.
Speaking in an earlier interview on June 9, the former Anambra State governor reiterated that his administration would have adopted a more organised approach.
“I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy. If you go to my manifesto, it is there, along with the steps I would have taken in an organised manner,” Obi said.
“There is nothing wrong with the removal of the fuel subsidy. What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.”
He also described the previous subsidy regime as one riddled with “criminality and corruption,” stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Despite these earlier positions, Kwankwaso’s recent comments sparked mixed reactions, with critics suggesting that the proposal to reintroduce subsidy could contradict Obi’s long-standing stance on the issue.
However, the NDC has dismissed such claims, insisting that both leaders share a unified vision for reforming the petroleum sector and making fuel more affordable.
Speaking to Punch, Obi’s spokesman, Idris Zekeri, said there was no inconsistency between the positions of the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
“It seems many people are misquoting our vice-presidential candidate. What he said was that an Obi government will return subsidy ‘in our way.’ That is not different from what was aired,” Zekeri said.
He explained that the party’s goal is to eliminate the corruption associated with the previous subsidy system while exploring innovative ways to reduce fuel prices.
“The ultimate goal is to end the endemic corruption associated with the fuel subsidy regime. Even up to this moment, it has to be dealt with”he said.
“Then we will seek a creative way to drive down the price of fuel in Nigeria so that the proceeds of the subsidy can be invested in areas that will touch the lives of Nigerians immediately,” he added.
Zekeri further stated that the NDC plans to collaborate with private refineries and undertake comprehensive reforms across the oil sector to achieve its objectives.
According to him, the party remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians benefit from a system that prioritises affordability and economic relief without perpetuating inefficiencies.
“The average Nigerian needs a life that is subsidised. We are going to bring back subsidy in our own way, not the one we are experiencing. We need to be creative about it,” he said.
He also defended Obi’s consistency on the issue, noting that the former governor had long questioned the sustainability and transparency of the subsidy regime.
Zekeri cited past concerns raised by Obi over Nigeria’s reported daily fuel consumption figures during the subsidy era, which he described as unrealistic and indicative of widespread leakages.
“At the height of subsidy, Nigeria was said to be consuming about 60 million litres of fuel per day. Meanwhile, a country like Pakistan, with a larger population and industrial base, was using far less. That tells you there were serious issues,” he said.
He added that the NDC intends to plug such leakages and redirect resources toward improving citizens’ welfare.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, affirmed the party’s support for its presidential ticket and its proposed policy direction.
“Our party is in support of our flagbearer. Whatever they agree to do, we are in support. We have a way of outlining our position,” he said.
Director also questioned the current fuel pricing regime, asking whether Nigerians were satisfied with the high cost of petrol.
“The question is, are Nigerians contented and happy with the manner they are buying fuel for N1,500? Even capitalist nations subsidise for the welfare of their citizens,” he said.
He criticised the current administration for what he described as a lack of empathy, adding that the NDC was committed to policies that would ease the burden on citizens.
“What the NDC government is promising is to address the living conditions of the people and ameliorate their suffering. The party is ready to execute any policy that will promote that,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment extensively on the controversy, directing inquiries to Obi’s previous public statements.
“Obi has addressed this issue, and they are out there in the public domain. Please work with the statement he put out,” he said.
As debates over fuel subsidy continue to shape Nigeria’s economic and political discourse, the NDC’s latest position signals a nuanced approach that seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare.
