The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that the Presidential Villa plans to disconnect from the national grid and rely entirely on solar power, describing the move as a betrayal of ordinary Nigerians who were promised steady electricity.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, February 16, where he reminded Nigerians of Tinubu’s campaign promise to deliver reliable power supply within his first term.
“‘If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure,’ -BAT,” Obi quoted, before adding: “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.”
The former Anambra governor said the promise had inspired hope among millions of Nigerians longing for stable power in their homes and businesses but remained unfulfilled nearly three years into the administration.
Obi questioned the decision to spend billions on solar power for the Villa while the rest of the country struggles with an unreliable grid.
“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 the 2025 budget about the ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in the 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance, and now we are being sarcastically told that the Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.
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“It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. If those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?” he asked.
He acknowledged that renewable energy was a positive step for the future but argued that the move exposed a deeper problem with how the country is governed.
“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 said.
He said Nigerians were not expecting perfection but deserved to see genuine effort and honest communication from their leaders.
“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,” he said.