Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, accusing the administration of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.
In a strongly worded statement, Obi recalled Tinubu’s 2023 pledge to Nigerians, where he said: “If I don’t give you constant electricity in four years, don’t vote for me for a second term.”
Obi argued that nearly three years into the administration, power supply has yet to improve, noting that generation remains below 4,000 megawatts on average, lower than levels recorded when Tinubu assumed office.
He further pointed out that Nigerians are now paying higher electricity tariffs despite declining supply, describing the situation as a contradiction of the government’s commitments.
Highlighting broader energy access concerns, Obi stated that Nigeria has one of the lowest per capita electricity consumption rates globally, at about 144 kWh, significantly below Africa’s average of 617 kWh.
The former Anambra State governor also referenced a recent remark by Tinubu during a brief stopover in Jos, where the President reportedly attributed his short visit to the lack of electricity at the airport, saying: “You have no light here, I fly out in ten minutes.”
Obi described the comment as symbolic of a wider disconnect between leadership and the everyday realities faced by Nigerians.
“At a time when Nigerians are enduring days without power, our leaders cannot even stay a few minutes without it,” he said.
He warned against what he termed “incompetent leadership,” urging Nigerians to demand accountability and prioritize leaders with the capacity to deliver essential services.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi added.
