Obi Defends Fuel Subsidy Position, Vows Tough Action on Insecurity, Challenges Critics to Court

The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has defended his stance on fuel subsidy removal, security, electricity generation, and allegations surrounding campaign donations, insisting that his critics often misrepresent his positions.

Speaking during an interview with broadcaster Rufai Oseni, Obi clarified that he was never opposed to the removal of fuel subsidy but disagreed with the manner in which President Bola Tinubu announced it during his inauguration in 2023 and implemented the policy.

Responding to questions about his criticism of the subsidy removal, Obi said he would have pursued a more structured approach.

“I didn’t criticise Tinubu for removing the subsidy. I said I would have removed it, but in an organised manner. I wouldn’t have announced it at my inauguration. I would have first sat down with operators in the industry because we know there is a lot of criminality around the subsidy,” he said.»

According to Obi, his administration would have sought to determine the actual amount spent on fuel subsidies while simultaneously addressing exchange rate reforms and corruption within the sector.

He questioned the benefits Nigerians have derived from the removal of the subsidy, noting that government borrowing has continued despite the policy’s implementation.

In response to claims that his criticism of the Tinubu administration lacks practical solutions, particularly regarding his pledge to increase electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts, Obi stated that he is often held to a higher standard of scrutiny than others.

He referenced campaign promises made by political opponents, arguing that detailed implementation plans are not always demanded from them.

“Somebody once said, ‘If I don’t give you electricity, don’t vote for me.’ Did they question him then on how he would do that? So why must my own be in the marketplace?” Obi asked.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that his track record in office demonstrates his capacity to fulfil promises, adding that he delivered on commitments made during his tenure as governor.

Addressing the country’s worsening security situation, including recent kidnappings and the death of a retired Major General in captivity, Obi pledged decisive action if elected president.

“If I am President today, it is either the terrorists are in charge of the country or I am in charge, one person must be in charge, or we declare war on insecurity,” he stated.

Obi pointed to his record in Anambra State, claiming that notorious criminals and kidnappers were unable to operate freely during his administration and were forced to leave the state.

He also stressed his commitment to Nigeria, saying he would always return home in times of crisis and had never sought foreign citizenship despite spending years abroad.

On his legal dispute with former ally Kenneth Okonkwo, Obi said the lawsuit became necessary after Okonkwo suggested he possessed additional damaging information that would be revealed in the future.

“I am very happy to take him to court so that he can expose me publicly, alongside other Nigerians. If any of them have any criminal allegations against me, they should bring them to court,” he said.

Obi also dismissed allegations made by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi that he diverted campaign donations during the 2023 election.

Challenging his accuser to present evidence, Obi declared that he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if any proof emerged showing that even a fraction of the alleged funds was missing.

“If the so-called Arabambi can provide evidence from any account showing that even one per cent of what he alleged is missing, I will stop campaigning for the 2027 election,” Obi said.

The former presidential candidate added that he is prepared to pursue legal action against anyone making unsubstantiated allegations, insisting that such claims should be tested in court.