By MUHAMMAD NASIR

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr Peter Obi has pledged to reinstate petroleum subsidy after tackling corruption in the country.

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

He said corruption remained the major challenge confronting Nigeria, adding that his administration, if elected, would tackle corruption across all sectors.

“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.

“The problem of Nigeria is corruption, as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to vote for NDC candidates at all levels, saying it is a collective responsibility to address the country’s recurring challenges.

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

The former Anambra governor also expressed concerns over the economic situation of Nigerians, promising to deploy the country’s resources to improve security, education and other sectors of the economy.

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

He also promised to connect all state capitals with railway lines to facilitate economic activities and boost development.

Also speaking, the NDC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the visit was to meet with the people of Sokoto and seek their support and cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said they had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto, where he prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.

He said although various parts of Nigeria were facing challenges, the North-West had become a major hotspot for 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, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in the 2027 elections.

The state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Yabo, said the meeting provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Obi and Kwankwaso about their plans and vision for the country. (NAN)