Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said a government led by him would consider restoring petroleum subsidy if elected in 2027, but only after tackling corruption associated with the subsidy system.

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

The former Anambra State governor identified corruption as a major challenge associated with the subsidy regime and said his administration would prioritise fighting corrupt practices across sectors of the economy.

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

The statement differs from a position Obi expressed in August during the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, where he said the removal of petrol subsidy should not be reversed because of the alleged mismanagement of proceeds from the policy.

At the NBA conference, Obi said the proceeds from subsidy removal should instead have been redirected to provide alternatives for Nigerians and support sectors such as healthcare.At the Sokoto town hall, Obi also outlined education, security and national unity as key priorities of his proposed administration.

“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.He further pledged to connect state capitals across Nigeria with railway lines, saying improved rail connectivity would facilitate economic activities and promote development.

Obi also expressed concern over the economic challenges facing Nigerians and said his proposed administration would deploy the country’s resources toward improving security, education and other sectors.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who also spoke at the meeting, said the ticket was committed to addressing security challenges, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.The town hall formed part of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket’s engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.