Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the newly introduced N50,000 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fee.
The former Anambra State governor described the reversal as “a victory for the Nigerian people” and commended the government for heeding public outcry.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, Obi expressed relief at the development.
“I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people,” Obi said.
Obi criticised the original fee as an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced.
He urged the government to prioritise investment in basic education and address the challenge of millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue.
“Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school,” he stated.
The presidential candidate added that true leadership is shown not only in making decisions but also in having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on citizens.
He noted that several other “anti-people” policies deserve similar review.
Obi thanked Nigerian citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices led to the policy reversal.
