By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has sharply criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over plans to fully disconnect the Presidential Villa from the national grid, calling it a symbolic failure of leadership and a betrayal of a key campaign promise.
In a statement released on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mr Obi highlighted a pledge made by then-candidate Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. The President had famously declared: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for second tenure.”
Mr Obi noted that this statement originally inspired hope among Nigerians desperate for a stable power supply to drive their homes, businesses, and the national economy. However, he argued that over two and a half years into the administration, the promise remains largely unfulfilled. He pointed to the national grid’s persistent instability, frequent collapses, and widespread outages as evidence of stagnation.
The former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over reports that the government is investing heavily in alternative power for the seat of government, rather than fixing the national system. He specifically referenced budgetary allocations, including N10 billion in the 2025 budget for solar installations at Aso Rock, with further funds earmarked in 2026 for upgrades and maintenance—all part of a plan to sever the Villa’s reliance on the national grid entirely.
“Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled, categorical electoral promise—and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any—we read of the provision in the 2025 budget of N10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in the 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance,” Mr Obi stated. “Now we are being told that the Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.”
Mr Obi described the development as a “gross neglect” and deeply troubling, arguing that the seat of power should be leading efforts to strengthen the public grid, not abandoning it. “One would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately, citizens, can benefit,” he said. “If those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?”
While acknowledging that renewable energy is crucial for Nigeria’s future, the opposition leader contended that this specific move sends a damaging message about the government’s priorities. He argued that citizens may not expect perfection, but they are entitled to visible effort, measurable progress, and honest explanations when targets are missed.
“Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future,” Mr Obi conceded. “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 concluded: “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.”
The criticism follows the Federal Government’s commencement of a N10 billion solar mini-grid project for Aso Rock last year. The initiative, aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to the Villa, has sparked public outcry, with many viewing it as an indictment of the government’s ability to fix the national grid.
In response to previous backlash, the Presidency, through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, defended the project by citing global best practices. Mr Onanuga pointed to the use of solar energy at the White House in the United States, arguing that Nigeria is merely following the lead of developed nations in transitioning to renewable energy for critical government facilities. Despite this explanation, critics like Mr Obi maintain that the optics of the project are tone-deaf, given the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians with power outages.
