President Bola Tinubu is facing renewed criticism over Nigeria’s electricity supply following reports that the Presidential Villa may be disconnected from the national grid to depend solely on solar power.
During the 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu pledged to deliver stable electricity within four years, declaring: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure.”
Reacting to recent reports, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the development as a sharp contrast to that campaign promise.
In a statement, Obi said that 32 months into the administration, rather than fulfilling his earlier commitment, the President appears to be abandoning a national grid that, according to him, has performed poorly under his watch.
The criticism referenced provisions in the proposed 2025 budget reportedly allocating ₦10 billion for solar power installations at the Presidential Villa, along with additional funds earmarked in the 2026 budget for upgrades and maintenance.
Obi said Nigerians were being informed that the Presidential Villa had planned to disconnect from the national grid and rely entirely on solar energy — a move he argued sends troubling signals about leadership and infrastructure development.
“It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid,” Obi stated.
He added that government institutions should be at the forefront of efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that citizens and businesses can benefit from reliable electricity supply.
“If those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?” he asked.
While acknowledging that renewable energy solutions such as solar power are important and forward-looking, Obi maintained that the issue reflects broader concerns about governance and accountability.
“Promoting renewable energy is commendable and necessary for the future. However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed,” he said.
Drawing a moral comparison between leadership and citizens’ realities, Obi stated: “You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured.”
He emphasised that Nigerians understand governance comes with challenges and that not every promise can be fully realised. However, he said citizens deserve visible effort, measurable progress, and transparency when targets are not met.
“Nigerians do not expect 100% fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100% effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist,” Obi added.
He concluded by urging the Federal Government to prioritise reforms aimed at strengthening and expanding the national grid rather than creating what he described as a perception of detachment from the country’s electricity challenges.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Obi’s remarks.
