NDC signals readiness to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027
Vice‑presidential hopeful Rabiu Kwankwaso said the Nigeria Democratic Congress will consider re‑introducing a fuel subsidy, among other measures, to lower petrol prices if it wins the 2027 elections, after aligning with presidential candidate Peter Obi and party leader Seriake Dickson.
By Lawal Ayo, Editor & Founder · Published 15 Oct 2026, 23:15 WAT
NDC’s new stance on fuel subsidy Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice‑presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), announced that the party is prepared to bring back a fuel subsidy if it secures victory in the 2027 general elections. The move is presented as one of several options the party will explore to reduce petrol prices.
Alignment with party leadership Kwankwaso said that he, presidential candidate Peter Obi and party leader Senator Seriake Dickson have reached a common position on the subsidy issue after a series of internal discussions. The alignment follows a period during which Obi had previously supported the removal of the subsidy but later pledged to reinstate it under a corruption‑free framework.
Rationale for the proposal The former Kano State governor cited the severe economic pressure that Nigerians have faced since the subsidy was scrapped in 2023, when President Bola Tinubu formally ended the petrol subsidy during his inauguration. He argued that corruption within the oil sector remains a key obstacle and that addressing it could open the door to meaningful relief for consumers.
Commitment to action Kwankwaso stressed that the NDC would take whatever steps are necessary to bring down fuel prices, including the possibility of a re‑introduced subsidy. He added that voters will judge parties based on their performance in office rather than pre‑election promises.
Context of the debate The debate over fuel subsidies has intensified as Nigeria’s energy costs remain high. The NDC’s willingness to consider a subsidy reflects a broader trend of parties proposing different mechanisms to tackle the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
Looking ahead With the 2027 elections approaching, the NDC’s position on fuel subsidies will likely be a key point of comparison with other parties. The party’s willingness to explore multiple options signals its intent to address the economic challenges that have shaped voter concerns in recent years.
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