Obi defends petrol subsidy removal, criticizes savings mismanagement

Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has defended his support for the removal of petrol subsidies while criticizing the current government's management of the resulting savings, arguing the funds could have been invested in critical healthcare infrastructure. Obi, the candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, made these remarks during the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which concluded around August 25, 2026. Obi stated that the subsidy removal should not be reversed due to mismanagement of the proceeds.