Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has made it clear that tackling corruption will be a top priority if he becomes Nigeria’s president in 2027.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) figure strongly criticised the country’s fuel subsidy system, describing it as nothing short of “organised crime.” He argued that the framework has enabled widespread abuse and financial leakages over the years.
Obi questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s reported fuel consumption figures, insisting they do not align with reality. According to him, available data suggests the country is not using as much petrol as officially claimed, raising concerns about where the excess is going.
He also drew comparisons with Pakistan, noting that despite similarities in population size and infrastructure, Pakistan reportedly consumes far less fuel than Nigeria. For Obi, the gap points to systemic inefficiencies and possible fraud within the subsidy structure.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Obi recalled how major candidates, including himself, had pledged to scrap the subsidy, citing its unsustainable nature. That promise was eventually carried out by Bola Tinubu, who announced its removal during his inauguration in Abuja.
The move led to a sharp increase in fuel prices and transportation costs nationwide, placing additional pressure on citizens already dealing with economic challenges.
Despite supporting the removal in principle, Obi maintains that deeper reforms are needed. He stressed that beyond ending the subsidy, authorities must thoroughly investigate fuel consumption data and eliminate all forms of corruption tied to the system.
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