NDC: Obi would redirect fuel subsidy savings to Nigerians, reject Govs’ control

By Jude Opara

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended Peter Obi’s position on fuel subsidy, saying the party’s presidential candidate would channel savings from the policy into projects and programmes that directly benefit Nigerians if elected in 2027.

Theo Abu Agada, the NDC Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, said Obi would not transfer the funds to state governors or allow the return of the alleged oil cabals that previously benefited from the subsidy regime.

Agada made the remarks in a post on X while responding to the debate over a proposal by African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to reintroduce fuel subsidy if elected president.

According to him, Obi has consistently supported the removal of fuel subsidy and deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, but has advocated transparent management of the resources saved from the policy.

He argued that the funds should be used to improve the welfare of Nigerians rather than being left at the disposal of government officials.

“For Peter Obi and many of us who have, since 2012, advocated for the removal of the subsidy and the deregulation of the downstream sector, the policy position has always been the transparent management of the subsidy regime,” Agada said.

He maintained that an Obi administration would use the resources to improve healthcare, education and transportation, while investing in programmes capable of creating employment opportunities.

“He will not put the money in the pockets of the governors like Tinubu, and he will not bring back the oil cabals that were benefiting from the subsidy scam, as Atiku is proposing,” he added.

The NDC spokesman also questioned the reported shift in Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy, noting that the former vice president had previously supported its removal.

President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy at his inauguration in May 2023, a decision that significantly altered the country’s petroleum pricing regime.

The subsidy debate has since remained a major political issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with political parties offering competing proposals on how Nigerians should be protected from the effects of higher fuel prices.

Agada said the NDC’s approach under Obi would focus on ensuring that resources associated with the petroleum sector are converted into tangible benefits for citizens, including quality schools, healthcare facilities, transport infrastructure and employment opportunities.