By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Rare royal validation of any politician came for the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) presidential ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Monday prayed for the success of both hopefuls in the 2027 general elections.
The development came as NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, pledged to restore petroleum subsidy if elected President in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration would first tackle corruption in the sector.
Obi made the pledge, also on Monday, at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) presidential ticket in Sokoto, after visiting the Sultan.
He identified corruption as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria, promising to tackle corrupt practices across all sectors of the economy.
“People are talking about subsidy, but what it is all about is corruption. By removing the corruption, I assure you that we will bring back subsidy,” Obi said.
He urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to support NDC candidates at all levels, describing the task of addressing the country’s recurring challenges as a collective responsibility.
According to him, the party is committed to what he described as politics of care and service to Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern over the economic hardship facing Nigerians, promising to deploy the country’s resources towards improving security, education and other critical sectors.
“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” he said.
Obi further promised to connect all state capitals across the country by rail to facilitate economic activities and promote development.
Also speaking, the NDC Vice-presidential candidate, Dr (Engr.) Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the visit was aimed at meeting with the people of Sokoto and seeking 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 the security challenges confronting various parts of the country, particularly the North-West, which he described as a major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping.
“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and making Nigeria better,” Kwankwaso said.
Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, pledged to provide good governance if elected in 2027.
State Chairman of the party, Bello Yabo, also spoke at the meeting, which brought together party supporters and stakeholders ahead of the general elections.
*PHOTO CAPTION: L-R: Engr. Kwankwaso; Sultan Abubakar III; Obi; and a chieftain of NDC, during the visit.
