Obi, Kwankwaso clash on fuel subsidy return ahead of 2027 election

Kwankwaso claims an Obi-led NDC government would bring back fuel subsidy 'in our own way,' directly contradicting Obi's consistent stance that subsidy should remain removed. Speaking to Arise TV Tuesday, the NDC vice-presidential candidate faulted Tinubu's May 29, 2023 subsidy removal as unprepared, advocating instead for domestic refinery support and a new subsidy form to lower prices. Meanwhile, Obi reiterated at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in August 2026 and in his 2023 manifesto that subsidy removal was necessary, arguing savings should fund healthcare, education, agriculture and the sovereign wealth fund—citing trillions recovered but not transparently invested. Both criticize current fuel pricing but diverge on solution: Obi emphasizes anti-corruption and structured removal; Kwankwaso pushes government-backed refining and price intervention. Economist Dr Samson Simon warns this disagreement could cause leadership clashes if elected, noting Kwankwaso's longer political experience versus Obi's banking background. Analyst Nduka Odo stresses the ticket must harmonize its position, calling fuel subsidy 'too sensitive' for mixed signals given its direct impact on cost of living and economy. Voters face uncertainty about NDC's actual economic plan as campaigns intensify for 2027.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/23/2027-peter-obi-kwankwaso-send-conflicting-messages-on-fuel-subsidy/