Obi made the commitment during a town hall meeting organised for the Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto on Monday, where he outlined his priorities for tackling corruption, improving security, strengthening education and expanding the country’s transport infrastructure.
The former Anambra State governor said corruption was at the heart of Nigeria’s economic difficulties and maintained that eliminating corrupt practices would make it possible for his administration to bring back fuel subsidy.
His statement places fuel pricing, public spending and the management of government resources at the centre of the emerging debate over economic policy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi links fuel subsidy restoration to anti-corruption drive
Addressing residents at the gathering, Obi said his proposed administration would tackle corruption across all sectors of the economy before restoring petroleum subsidy.
He argued that the subsidy debate should not be separated from concerns about corruption and the management of public funds.
According to Obi, eliminating corruption would create the conditions for bringing back the subsidy programme.
He also called on Nigerians to support NDC candidates across all levels of government in the 2027 elections, describing the task of addressing the country’s challenges as a collective responsibility.
Obi said the party was committed to what he described as a politics centred on caring for citizens and providing public service.
However, the reported remarks did not specify the proposed subsidy structure, its expected cost, the funding mechanism or how the government would prevent abuse of the programme.
Security and education feature in Obi’s proposed priorities
Beyond fuel pricing, Obi identified security and education as central areas of concern, saying Nigeria’s resources should be directed towards improving conditions in these sectors.
He described education as his administration’s top priority after national unity and security.
The NDC presidential candidate also expressed concern about the country’s economic situation and said his government would work to improve living conditions through better management of public resources.
His remarks come amid continuing public debate over the cost of living, access to education and the government’s responsibility to address insecurity.
Railway expansion proposed to connect state capitals
Obi also pledged to connect all state capitals across Nigeria by railway, saying the proposed network would facilitate economic activities and support development.
The plan, as reported at the meeting, would expand rail connectivity between state capitals, although details such as the proposed routes, construction timeline, financing arrangements and implementation strategy were not provided.
A nationwide rail network would involve significant infrastructure planning, funding and coordination between federal and state authorities.
Kwankwaso highlights insecurity in the North-West
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate and former Kano State governor, said the delegation visited Sokoto to engage residents and seek support ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also disclosed that the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, who, according to Kwankwaso, offered prayers for the success of the presidential ticket and conveyed his goodwill.
Kwankwaso highlighted security challenges across the country, particularly in the North-West, where banditry and kidnapping have affected communities.
He said the ticket was committed to addressing the challenges and improving conditions across Nigeria.
Sokoto NDC candidate promises good governance
Earlier at the meeting, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in 2027.
The party’s state chairman, Bello Yabo, said the gathering gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.
The event formed part of the party’s engagement with residents as political activities build towards the 2027 general elections.
What Obi’s subsidy pledge means for voters
The pledge introduces a proposed approach to fuel pricing that links subsidy restoration to efforts to reduce corruption and improve the management of public resources.
For Nigerians, the key questions will include how the proposed subsidy would be funded, who would benefit, how the government would prevent diversion of public funds and whether the programme could be sustained without placing excessive pressure on public finances.
The proposed railway expansion, alongside commitments on education and security, also raises questions about implementation, financing and the timelines for delivering the promised projects.
What to watch ahead of the 2027 elections
As the election approaches, voters will be looking for more details on the NDC’s policy proposals, particularly:
- The proposed design and funding of a restored petroleum subsidy.
- The party’s anti-corruption strategy and plans for public financial accountability.
- Measures to address insecurity, especially banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.
- The funding, routes and timeline for connecting state capitals by rail.
- Specific targets for improving education and economic conditions.
Obi’s Sokoto remarks outline the broad priorities he says his administration would pursue if elected. Further policy details will be important in assessing how the proposals could be implemented.
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