Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stated on Tuesday that an administration led by Peter Obi would reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form. He made the comments during an interview with Arise TV.
Kwankwaso discussed the fuel subsidy policy of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and the positions of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election. He described the removal of the subsidy on Tinubu’s first day in office as a decision that plunged Nigeria into a total mess economically.
When asked whether it would be difficult for the NDC to campaign in the North-West, where support exists for the return of subsidy, Kwankwaso replied, “No, no, no, look. We are bringing subsidy in our own way.”
He explained that the government could invest in refineries to increase domestic production. This would make petrol available to Nigerians at a reasonable price.
Furthermore, Kwankwaso said, “Of course, there are many ways. One, I can tell you: now we have a refinery built by a businessman, and I’m sure more refineries would be built. 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.”
Kwankwaso added that the minimum requirement was for people across the country to buy fuel at filling stations at a reasonable price. He concluded, “We, in the NDC, will do whatever it takes, really, to put the price of oil down.”
The former Kano State governor emphasised that the party would pursue measures to reduce fuel prices without returning to the previous subsidy system.