Former LP presidential hopeful Peter Obi lambasted President Bola Tinubu on Monday for plans to sever the presidential villa from the national electricity grid in favour of solar power, branding it a “gross neglect” that abandons ordinary citizens amid chronic blackouts.
Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, seized on reports of substantial budget allocations for solar installations at Aso Rock — including 10 billion naira in 2025 and further funds in 2026 — as evidence of elite detachment from the power crisis plaguing Africa’s most populous nation.
“It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid,” Obi said in a statement. “One would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately, citizens can benefit.”
He contrasted the move with Tinubu’s campaign vow: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure,” noting that 32 months into the term, the administration appears to be “abandoning the national grid, which has performed abysmally under its watch.”
While praising renewables like solar, Obi decried the optics: “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 urged full effort from 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.”
The presidency had not responded to the criticisms as of Monday evening.
