Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to restore petroleum subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the pledge on Monday at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto.

The former Anambra State governor said corruption remained a major challenge facing Nigeria, stressing that his administration would first tackle corrupt practices across the country before restoring the subsidy regime.

“People are talking about subsidy but what is all about it is corruption. By removing the corruption, I assure you that we will bring back subsidy,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to support NDC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing the task of rebuilding the country as a collective responsibility.

He said the party was committed to what he described as the “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”

Expressing concern over the country’s economic challenges, Obi pledged to deploy national resources towards improving security, education and other critical sectors.

“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.

He also promised to link all state capitals with railway lines as part of measures to boost economic activities and accelerate development across the country.

Speaking at the event, NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the delegation was in Sokoto to engage residents and seek their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, disclosed that the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, who, according to him, prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.

He said insecurity remained a major concern across several parts of the country, particularly in the North-West, where communities have been affected by banditry and kidnapping.

“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” he said.

Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in 2027.

The state chairman of the party, Bello Yabo, said the meeting offered residents an opportunity to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.