The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption in the system.

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

The former Anambra State governor identified corruption as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria, promising to tackle it across sectors if elected.

“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,” Obi said.

According to him, addressing corruption would be central to his administration’s approach to governance, adding that the country’s resources would be deployed to improve security, education and other critical sectors.

Obi urged Nigerians to use the 2027 elections to support NDC candidates at all levels, describing the task of addressing the country’s challenges as a collective responsibility.

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

On education, Obi said it would be a major priority of his administration, alongside national unity and security.

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

The former governor also pledged to connect all state capitals with railway lines, saying the initiative would facilitate economic activities and promote development across the country.

Speaking at the event, the 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 governor of Kano State, said 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 expressed concern over security challenges across the country, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, saying the party was committed to addressing the situation if elected.

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 town hall meeting gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country.