Subsidy: Kwankwaso says NDC will do ‘whatever necessary’ to reduce petrol prices
Vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) indicated that the party is open to all potential solutions, including the reintroduction of petrol subsidies, to lower fuel prices if elected in the upcoming 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, made these comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday. He expressed concern over the economic ramifications following the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The decision resulted in a significant rise in fuel prices, which has contributed to increased transportation and living costs nationwide.
Kwankwaso stated that Nigerians have yet to recover from the economic fallout of the subsidy removal, noting that energy costs remain excessively high across the country. “We have seen the implications of removing the subsidy from day one in the country until today. Up until now, nobody has recovered from that shock,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate highlighted that the party has analyzed this issue, drawing on the experiences of its leaders, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State, and Kwankwaso’s own tenure in Kano.
He also noted the involvement of former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson in discussions aimed at addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
Kwankwaso reiterated that the party’s priority is to alleviate the burden of high energy costs on Nigerians, especially those struggling to afford basic necessities. “Our collective position now is that the price of energy in this country is too high,” he remarked.
In outlining the NDC’s approach to easing the financial strains on citizens, Kwankwaso emphasized the party’s readiness to consider significant interventions to reduce petrol prices. “Our position is we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that the price of fuel is brought back down, including reintroducing the subsidy,” he stated.
He further added that the party’s proposed measures aim to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, pointing out that life has become increasingly difficult for many.
Kwankwaso’s comments reflect the NDC’s willingness to reevaluate the subsidy issue as political parties prepare their economic proposals in advance of the 2027 election.
