Power Crisis: Obi Tackles Tinubu Over Electricity Promise, Solar Shift at Villa

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as unfulfilled campaign promises on stable electricity supply, saying Nigerians deserve measurable progress and transparent leadership.
In a statement shared via his verified X account on Monday, Obi recalled the President’s campaign position that voters should deny him a second term if he failed to deliver reliable electricity across the country.
According to him, more than two years into the administration, the national grid has continued to perform below expectations, with citizens and businesses still struggling under inconsistent power supply.
Obi maintained that while no government can achieve total fulfilment of its promises, Nigerians expect sincere commitment, visible effort, and clear communication where challenges arise.
The former Anambra State governor warned that leadership must remain connected to the realities faced by the people, stressing that governance should not appear insulated from citizens’ daily hardships.
He also expressed concern over reports that the Presidential Villa plans to rely fully on solar energy, following budgetary provisions running into billions of naira for solar installations and upgrades in recent fiscal plans.
Obi described renewable energy as forward-looking and necessary, but argued that abandoning the national grid at the highest level of government sends the wrong signal.
He noted that government institutions are expected to champion the strengthening and expansion of the grid so that households and businesses can benefit from stable electricity.
Obi said it would be troubling if those in authority detach themselves from public infrastructure while ordinary Nigerians remain dependent on a weak system.
He added that the hope once inspired by strong campaign assurances on electricity must be matched with concrete results, warning that citizens expect empathy, accountability, and shared sacrifice from their leaders.
