The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have expressed different positions on key policy issues ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The two leaders differ particularly on fuel subsidy and the proposed establishment of state police.
Obi has maintained that fuel subsidy should be removed, although he believes the process should have been carried out gradually and with better planning. He has also argued that savings from the subsidy removal should have been used to provide alternatives and ease the impact on Nigerians.
Kwankwaso, however, has said an administration led by Obi would reintroduce subsidy in a modified form. He argued that the government could support the establishment of more refineries and take measures to make petrol more affordable.
The two also hold different views on state police. Obi has expressed support for state police, saying it could help strengthen security across the country. Kwankwaso, on the other hand, has opposed the idea, arguing that the demand for state police emerged because of shortcomings in the existing federal policing system.
The differences have emerged as the NDC prepares its campaign structure for the 2027 election. The party is also facing disagreements with the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement over the organisation of campaign activities.
The NDC says its presidential campaign council will be constituted after receiving nominations and input from Obi and Kwankwaso, with the party leadership stressing the need for coordination among its various structures.
The contrasting positions have drawn attention to how the party intends to harmonise the views of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates into a common campaign message.
Leave a comment