Obi Plans to Keep Fuel Subsidy But Strip Out Corruption, Vows Full Control

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has outlined plans to maintain the fuel subsidy system while removing what he describes as the corrupt elements embedded within it. In a BBC interview, Obi said his administration would keep subsidies in place but would work to eliminate the fraudulent practices that have historically weakened the scheme's effectiveness.

Obi's approach to subsidy reform centres on personal conduct and leadership integrity. He argued that reducing corruption begins with those in government ensuring neither they nor their families engage in illicit practices.

He suggested that demonstrating clean governance at the highest level could eliminate roughly half of corruption within the system, positioning ethical leadership as foundational to broader institutional reform. The former Anambra State governor also criticised the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that Buhari did not exercise adequate control over his government's operations.

Obi contrasted this with his own intended approach, stating he would maintain direct oversight of his administration if elected. He framed this distinction as central to his ability to implement anti-corruption measures and govern effectively.

Obi has consistently attributed Nigeria's subsidy difficulties to corruption rather than the subsidy framework itself. His position differs from previous calls to remove subsidies altogether, instead targeting the administrative and financial mechanisms through which corrupt officials extract resources.

The candidate has made combating corruption a central plank of his 2027 campaign platform.