Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic difficulties.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election, said an NDC administration would adopt a different approach to fuel pricing and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of petrol for Nigerians.
He made the remarks during an interview with ARISE correspondent Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, where he discussed the economic implications of the Tinubu administration’s policies and the alternative economic measures being proposed by the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The removal of the petrol subsidy, announced by President Tinubu during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, has remained one of the most significant and controversial economic decisions of the current administration.
Since its implementation, the policy has contributed to a substantial increase in petrol prices, with the resulting rise in transportation costs, food prices and household expenses becoming major issues in public debate.
Kwankwaso recalled that the three leading presidential candidates in the 2023 election, Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, had all spoken about the need to remove the subsidy during their campaigns.
He noted, however, that Atiku had also advocated the sale of Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries.
“In 2023, during the campaigns, I remember the three of them, all of them said they will remove subsidy. In fact, before then, Atiku even added that he would sell all the four refineries to his friends,” Kwankwaso said.
According to him, although the candidates had discussed subsidy removal, Tinubu implemented the policy immediately after assuming office without what Kwankwaso described as adequate consideration of the likely consequences.
“Of course, among the three of them, Bola Tinubu decided to do or to remove the subsidy. And the consequences that we thought would happen certainly happened,” he said.
Kwankwaso argued that the timing and manner of the implementation created additional economic pressures for Nigerians.
“And not only he decided to remove the subsidy, what he did was to remove it immediately. In fact, day one, without looking at all those possible issues that were associated to that,” he added.
“And that’s how we find ourselves in this total mess economically.”
The NDC vice-presidential candidate maintained that the experience since 2023 had reinforced concerns about the manner in which the subsidy was removed.
He also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s position during the 2023 campaign, suggesting that political considerations influenced some of the arguments made at the time.
“Now, everybody realizes that it was a mistake,” Kwankwaso said.
“But you see, what Wazir Adamawa did was just to play politics. I don’t think he meant what he said.”
Kwankwaso further questioned how Atiku would have implemented his proposed subsidy policy, arguing that candidates had not sufficiently explained the practical details of their economic proposals during the campaign.
“That is one. And secondly, really, he didn’t tell anybody how he’s going to do it,” he said.
The former Kano governor was subsequently asked whether the NDC would face difficulties campaigning in the Northwest, where the cost of petrol remains a major concern and where calls for relief from high fuel prices have remained prominent.
Kwankwaso rejected the suggestion that the NDC’s proposed approach amounted to simply returning to the previous subsidy regime.
“No, no, no. Look, we are bringing subsidy in our own way,” he said.
He explained that the NDC would seek to reduce petrol prices by increasing domestic refining capacity and developing policies that would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Kwankwaso pointed to the establishment of privately owned refineries as evidence that Nigeria has the capacity to expand domestic refining.
“Of course, there are many ways. One, I can tell you now we have a refinery built by businessman. And I’m sure more refineries would be built,” he said.
He argued that if private investors could establish refineries in Nigeria, the government could also consider developing publicly owned refining facilities where necessary.
“Now, if individuals in this country could build refineries, I see no reason why government under certain circumstances will not build a refinery or refineries to the extent that we achieve the minimum requirement,” Kwankwaso said.
He stressed that the NDC’s proposed approach would focus on ensuring adequate domestic supply rather than simply reinstating the subsidy framework that existed before 2023.
According to him, increasing refining capacity would help reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products, while potentially creating a mechanism for government intervention when market prices become excessively burdensome for citizens.
“What is the minimum requirement? The minimum requirement is for the people across the country to go to the filling stations and buy fuel at a reasonable price,” he said.
Kwankwaso said the proposed policy would form part of the NDC’s broader economic programme if the party wins the 2027 presidential election.
“We in the NDC will do whatever it takes really to put the price of oil down,” he said.
The former Kano governor’s comments come amid continuing national debate over the consequences of subsidy removal, domestic refining, petrol pricing and the broader direction of Nigeria’s economic reforms.
The Tinubu administration has maintained that subsidy removal was necessary to reduce the financial burden on government and redirect public resources toward other areas of development. The government has also promoted domestic refining and private-sector participation in the petroleum industry as part of its strategy to strengthen local supply.
The NDC’s position, as outlined by Kwankwaso, places greater emphasis on reducing the cost of petrol through increased domestic refining capacity and targeted government intervention.
As the 2027 election approaches, fuel pricing is expected to remain a major issue in political campaigns, particularly because of its direct impact on transportation, food distribution, manufacturing and household expenditure.
Kwankwaso’s remarks therefore provide an indication of the economic direction the NDC intends to pursue, particularly its proposed approach to petroleum products and the affordability of fuel for Nigerian consumers.
