Obi Cites Power Grid Failures, Says Tinubu Should Be Held to 2022 Electricity Promise

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has renewed criticism of President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, referencing a campaign promise made ahead of the 2023 elections.

In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday and titled “No Steady Power in Four Years, No Second Term,” Obi recalled Tinubu’s 2022 pledge to deliver stable electricity within his first term or forfeit a second mandate.

Obi argued that recent developments in the power sector directly contradict that assurance, pointing to repeated collapses of the national electricity grid.

“President Bola Tinubu clearly promised Nigerians in 2022 that if he failed to ensure stable power supply within four years, he should not be re-elected,” Obi said.

He noted that the national grid had already failed twice in January 2026, even before the month ended, adding that similar incidents reportedly occurred about twelve times in the previous year.

According to Obi, the frequency of grid collapses should deeply concern Nigerians, as it highlights the ongoing fragility of the country’s power infrastructure despite earlier commitments by the government.

“This situation stands in sharp contrast to the promises that were made and should trouble every citizen who cares about the country,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also took aim at Tinubu’s overseas engagements, observing that the president was in Turkey while pressing domestic issues remained unresolved.

He compared Nigeria’s power output with that of Turkey, a country he noted has a population of about 87 million people, significantly smaller than Nigeria’s.

“Turkey produces and distributes over 120,000 megawatts of electricity, while Nigeria struggles to generate less than five per cent of that figure. The difference is alarming,” Obi stated.

He urged the president to prioritise tackling internal challenges, particularly in the power sector, instead of embarking on frequent foreign trips.

“Our simple message is this: remain in the country and confront Nigeria’s problems head-on,” Obi said, warning that continued travel could further distance leadership from the realities citizens face daily.

Obi also criticised what he described as an unhealthy fixation on the 2027 general elections, arguing that governance should take precedence over political calculations.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership, stressing that urgent action is needed to end the hardship caused by ineffective governance.

“We must come together to insist on accountability and leadership that genuinely addresses the suffering and indignity Nigerians endure,” he said.