Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reported plans to disconnect the Presidential Villa from the national electricity grid and rely on solar power.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Obi accused the Federal Government of abandoning its responsibility to fix the country’s struggling power sector, while insulating itself from the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
Recalling Tinubu’s campaign promise on electricity, Obi quoted the president as saying:
“If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure,” – BAT
He noted that nearly three years into the administration, Nigerians were yet to see meaningful improvement in power supply.
“Thirty-two months after being incharge and instead of living by his powerful words, he now dumps National Grid that has been performing abysmally under his watch,” Obi wrote.
The former governor said the president’s words once raised hopes among Nigerians who yearned for reliable electricity to power their homes and businesses.
“Those were the powerful words then that inspired hope among Nigerians who longed for light in their homes, stability for their businesses, and growth for their nation,” he stated.
Obi expressed concern over reports that the 2025 budget included ₦10 billion for solar power at the Presidential Villa, while the 2026 budget reportedly made further provisions for upgrades and maintenance, alongside plans to fully disconnect the Villa from the grid.
“Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled, categorical electoral promise – and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any, we read of provision in 2025 budget about the ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance and now we are being scarcitically told that Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar,” he said.
Describing the development as disturbing, Obi warned that it sent the wrong signal at a time when the national power system remains weak.
“It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. One would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately, citizens can benefit. If those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?” he asked.
While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy, Obi said the issue went beyond solar adoption and pointed to what he described as a lack of empathy in governance.
“Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future. However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed. You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” he wrote.
He added that Nigerians were not demanding perfection from their leaders, but expected sincere effort and accountability.
“Nigerians do not expect 100% fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100% effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist. Leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles,” Obi concluded.