ABUJA, Nigeria – Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s brief visit to Plateau State, using the President’s own words to highlight the country’s failing power sector.
In a strongly worded statement shared with Okay News on Saturday, April 4, 2026, Obi referenced a 2023 campaign pledge where Tinubu reportedly told voters,
“If I don’t give you constant electricity in four years, don’t vote for me for a second term.”
Comparing the state of the power sector at the beginning of the administration to current conditions, Obi noted that while Nigeria had over 4,000 megawatts and lower tariffs in 2023, the country now averages less than 4,000 megawatts despite Nigerians paying significantly higher rates. He further highlighted that Nigeria’s per capita electricity consumption of 144 kWh remains well below the African average of 617 kWh.
The former Anambra State Governor expressed particular dismay over the President’s remarks during his stopover in Jos on Thursday to commiserate with victims of the March 29 attacks. During that meeting, which was held at the airport lounge, the President cited the lack of electricity as a reason for his hurried departure, stating,
“You have no light here; I fly out in ten minutes.”
“At a time when Nigerians are enduring days without power, our leaders cannot even stay a few minutes without it,”
Obi remarked. He described the incident as a “glaring display of disregard for promises” and called on Nigerians to reject leaders who prioritize their own comfort over the well-being of the people. Obi concluded by urging a move away from “incompetent leaders” who make empty promises while lacking the capacity and compassion to address the nation’s core challenges.
