Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the party will do whatever is necessary to reduce petrol prices if it wins the 2027 general election, including considering the restoration of fuel subsidy.
Kwankwaso made this known on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he expressed concern over the economic impact of the subsidy removal introduced by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023.
According to the former Kano State governor, many Nigerians are still struggling with the consequences of the policy, which was followed by a sharp rise in petrol prices and increased transportation and living costs.
“We have seen the implication of removing the subsidy from day one in the country till today. Up till now, I think nobody has recovered from that shock of removing the subsidy on that day,” Kwankwaso said.
The NDC chieftain explained that the party had been discussing ways to address the country’s economic challenges, drawing on the experiences of its leading figures, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson.
Kwankwaso said the party was particularly concerned about the rising cost of energy and the pressure it continues to place on households and businesses.
“Our collective position now is that the price of energy in this country is too high,” he stated.
He further declared that the NDC would explore different options, including restoring petrol subsidy, to make fuel more affordable if elected into office.
“Our position is we are going to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the price of fuel in this country is taken back, including doing whatever we can, including the subsidy,” he said.
Kwankwaso added that the party wanted to introduce measures that would improve living conditions, noting that life had become increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The decision triggered a significant increase in fuel prices, with knock-on effects on transportation, food prices and other essential goods and services.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Kwankwaso’s comments indicate that petrol subsidy and the cost of living could become major issues in the campaign as political parties present their plans for addressing Nigeria’s economic difficulties.
