BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has described as gross neglect and deeply worrisome the Federal Government’s plans to abandon the national grid and fully embrace the solar option for its energy needs going forward.
Obi, who raised concerns over the handling of Nigeria’s power sector by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, said it is pitiable that the National Grid continues to perform poorly despite promises of stable electricity made during his electioneering campaigns.
While referring to a statement by Tinubu urging Nigerians not to vote for him if he failed to provide steady electricity in four years, the former Anambra State governor knocked the President for abandoning the national grid just 32 months after assuming office.
According to him: “Thirty-two months after being in-charge and instead of living by his powerful words, he now dumps National Grid that has been performing abysmally under his watch”.
Obi posted on his X handle Monday that the promise of stable power had raised hopes among Nigerians, but unfortunately Nigerians are still struggling with unfulfilled commitment, lamenting: “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.
“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 N10bn for solar power at Aso Rock, and in 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance and now we are being sarcastically told that Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.”
Warning that the plans could further worsen the power crisis for ordinary Nigerians, Obi said: “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 argued that while promoting renewable energy was commendable, the government’s action showed lack of compassion and commitment to ordinary citizens, noting that “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.”
Obi stressed that citizens do not demand perfection but expect genuine effort and transparency from their leaders, adding, “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.”
