Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and leading member of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as the administration’s failure to improve electricity supply across the country.
In a statement posted on his X account, Obi recalled Tinubu’s campaign pledge to deliver stable electricity within four years, noting that more than two years into the administration, the promise remains unmet.
The former governor of Anambra State also expressed concern over reports that the Presidential Villa may be disconnected from the national grid to rely fully on solar power.
He argued that abandoning the grid at the nation’s seat of power sends the wrong message, stressing that government institutions should instead champion efforts to strengthen and expand the electricity network for the benefit of citizens.
Obi questioned how ordinary Nigerians could be assured of reliable power if those in authority withdraw from the system meant to serve the public.
While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy, he said solar power adoption should not appear as an escape from fixing the country’s struggling electricity infrastructure.
According to him, leadership must demonstrate commitment to improving living conditions, noting that citizens expect visible effort, measurable progress, and transparency when challenges arise.
Last year, the Federal Government of Nigeria began constructing a ₦10 billion solar mini-grid project to supply power to the Presidential Villa at Aso Rock — a move analysts say reflects both a shift toward renewable energy and growing concerns about the reliability of Nigeria’s national grid.