The Presidency has criticised Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over their positions on fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, made the criticism in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday. He argued that the positions expressed by the two NDC candidates showed a lack of clarity over the opposition party’s proposed approach to petrol subsidy.
Kwankwaso had earlier said an NDC administration would reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form if elected, proposing measures aimed at increasing domestic refining and making petrol more affordable. Obi subsequently said he would retain a subsidy after addressing corruption associated with the previous system.
Reacting to the debate, Bwala said, “Both have different views about fuel subsidy. Their confusion is confusing me.” He also accused opposition politicians of focusing more on rhetoric than addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The Presidency defended the Tinubu administration’s decision to remove petrol subsidy, arguing that the government had maintained focus on measures designed to support production and economic activity. Bwala cited interventions in agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing and the digital economy as examples.
The subsidy debate is significant because the policy remains one of the most consequential economic issues in Nigeria since President Tinubu announced its removal in May 2023. The decision triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to higher transportation and living costs, while the Federal Government has maintained that subsidy removal was necessary to improve the country’s fiscal position.
Obi and Kwankwaso have, however, argued that corruption and inefficiencies associated with the former subsidy regime must be addressed while exploring ways to reduce fuel costs for Nigerians. Obi has also said there is no fundamental disagreement between him and Kwankwaso over their proposed approach.
With the 2027 elections approaching, fuel pricing and economic hardship are expected to remain major campaign issues as political parties present competing proposals on how to reduce the cost of living and manage Nigeria’s petroleum Secto.
