NDC says Obi won’t share fuel subsidy funds with governors or revive oil cabals
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Director of New Media and Strategic Communications Theo Abu Agada stated on August 27, 2026 that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not distribute funds from the fuel subsidy to state governors, contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s current practice. Agada also said Obi will not revive the oil cabals that benefited from the subsidy regime, unlike African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who advocates returning the subsidy if elected in 2027. According to Agada, Obi’s approach—consistent since 2012—is to channel subsidy funds directly to Nigerians and invest them in quality schools, healthcare facilities, transport infrastructure, and job-creation programmes. He emphasized that Obi has repeatedly clarified this position across various forums. The statement contrasts Tinubu’s policy of giving subsidy money to governors and Atiku’s call to reinstate the subsidy, framing Obi’s stance as a transparent management of the subsidy regime. Agada urged critics to examine the facts rather than follow misleading narratives. The commentary highlights a key economic policy divergence among major candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election, focusing on how potential fuel subsidy revenues would be allocated.