Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said a government led by Peter Obi would bring back fuel subsidy through a different model if the party wins the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, made the statement during an interview with Arise News while discussing petrol prices and the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The NDC chieftain said the party would explore measures to make petrol more affordable for Nigerians, including expanding the country’s domestic refining capacity.
“No, no, no, look. We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” Kwankwaso said when asked whether the party’s position on fuel subsidy could affect its campaign in the North-West.
Explaining the proposed approach, he said the government could establish additional refineries to increase local production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Kwankwaso argued that expanding refining capacity would help the country meet its domestic fuel needs and make it possible for Nigerians to purchase petrol at a more reasonable price.
“Now, if individuals in this country could build refineries, I see no reason why government, under certain circumstances, will not build a refinery or refineries to the extent that we achieve the minimum requirement,” he said.
He said the NDC would focus on policies aimed at bringing down the cost of petrol for households and businesses.
“What is the minimum requirement? The minimum requirement is for the people across the country to go to the filling stations and buy fuel at a reasonable price,” he added.
“We, in the NDC, will do whatever it takes, really, to put the price of oil down.”
Kwankwaso also criticised the way the petrol subsidy was removed after Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
He noted that the major presidential candidates during the 2023 election had spoken in favour of removing the subsidy but faulted the immediate implementation of the policy.
According to Kwankwaso, the government should have considered the possible consequences and put measures in place before ending the subsidy.
“And not only he decided to remove the subsidy, what he did was to remove it immediately — in fact, day one — without looking at all those possible issues that were associated with that,” Kwankwaso said.
His comments come as fuel prices and the wider cost of living remain major issues in discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
