By Sunny A. David, Awka
A former Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remember his 2022 campaign pledge not to seek re-election if he fails to deliver stable electricity within his first term.
Obi’s reminder came on Tuesday, September 10, after Nigeria suffered yet another National grid collapse, plunging millions into darkness.
Quoting Tinubu’s words from December 2022, Obi wrote on his official X handle:
“Lest we forget, if I don’t give you constant electricity in the next four years, don’t vote for me for second term.”
The Labour Party leader criticized the APC-led government, noting that under Tinubu’s watch, Nigerians have endured more frequent blackouts and grid failures than under any previous administration, despite huge financial investments in the power sector.
Obi compared Nigeria’s stagnation in electricity generation barely rising from 4,500MW to 5,000MW in decades with countries such as Vietnam, Egypt, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, which have significantly expanded power supply and boosted their economies.
According to him, if Nigeria could generate at least 10,000MW, the country’s GDP could grow by 50%, creating jobs and driving industrial development.
He further faulted the government’s spending priorities, arguing that while funds are being diverted to projects like coastal roads, businesses are shutting down, unemployment is rising, and citizens remain without power.
Obi urged the president to focus on electricity generation and distribution, especially for MSMEs, stressing that reliable power would create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“Mr. President, it is time to prioritise generating and distributing more electricity to power businesses, especially MSMEs, which will create jobs and grow the economy. A New Nigeria is Possible,” he concluded.
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