Nigerian Presidential Hopefuls Clash Over Security, Subsidy at NBA Conference

Presidential hopefuls Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Omoyele Sowore engaged in a heated debate over Nigeria's pressing issues, including security, fuel subsidy, and overall governance, at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

The panel, a highlight of the conference, saw the politicians present contrasting views on the nation's worsening insecurity, poverty, and governance challenges, all viewed through the lens of the upcoming 2027 elections. The exchange intensified when Sowore challenged Amaechi's record and criticized past and present political leaders for policies he claims have impoverished Nigerians.

Sowore, a staunch opponent of fuel subsidy removal, argued that successive governments have subsidized the elite rather than protect ordinary citizens. He pointed out that subsidy removals in the past, dating back to the late 1980s, have not led to the promised improvements. "The question about subsidy is, who are you subsidising? You are subsidising the elite. You are subsidising the governors," Sowore stated.

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The question about subsidy is, who are you subsidising? You are subsidising the elite. You are subsidising the governors. The only people who are doing well since they removed subsidy were the governors of states.

Amaechi responded by defending his political experience and his coalition's commitment to challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused the political establishment of enabling corruption and electoral manipulation. Obi offered a different perspective, directly linking insecurity to poverty and Nigeria's lack of a productive economy. He argued that corruption and weak leadership have impoverished the nation, and transforming it into a productive economy is key to tackling insecurity.

Meanwhile, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, defended the federal government's proposed state police reforms during the conference. The discussions underscored the deep divisions and competing visions for Nigeria's future among its political leaders.

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And when they talk about subsidy, they make it sound like they have not removed subsidy before. I was a student in 1988, I mean in 1989, they removed subsidy. In 1990, they removed subsidy. They said Nigeria will be better. We are in 2026, they are still removing subsidy.