Peter Obi Critiques Tinubu's Fuel Policy, Promises Subsidy Return

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu's fuel subsidy policy, asserting that he would reinstate the subsidy if elected President in 2027. During a BBC interview, Obi emphasized that the core issue is not the subsidy itself but the corruption linked to its management.

He stated, “Yes. But remember, I have qualified it, not with the corruption that’s associated with it.

I’ll remove the corruption and retain the subsidy.” This stance directly opposes the Tinubu administration's economic policy, which removed the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, shortly after Tinubu took office. The administration justified this decision as essential to alleviate financial burdens and redirect funds toward infrastructure and social services.

Tinubu has argued that the subsidy system was unsustainable and prone to abuse, benefiting only a select few. Obi reiterated his commitment to restoring the subsidy while eliminating corruption, stating, “Corruption is the problem.”.