Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi has criticised plans by the Presidency to disconnect the Presidential Villa from Nigeria’s national electricity grid and rely largely on solar power, describing the move as a troubling signal of leadership disconnect at a time millions of Nigerians still endure erratic power supply.
Obi’s criticism follows reports that the Aso Rock Presidential Villa has made budgetary provisions for a large-scale solar power project, including about N10 billion in the 2025 budget and further allocations in the 2026 budget for upgrades and maintenance, with indications that the complex may operate independently of the national grid.
Recalling a campaign pledge by President Bola Tinubu, Obi said the development contradicts Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians during the 2023 election campaign, when he declared: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for a second tenure.”
More than 30 months into the administration, Nigeria’s electricity sector continues to be plagued by repeated grid collapses, frequent outages and limited access to reliable power, issues Obi said demand decisive government intervention rather than institutional withdrawal.
“It is grossly neglectful and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid,” Obi said in a statement. “Government institutions should be leading efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that citizens can benefit. If those in authority disconnect themselves, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?”
While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy and the role of solar power in Nigeria’s energy transition, Obi argued that the decision raises broader questions about governance, compassion and accountability.
“Nigerians do not expect 100 per cent fulfilment of promises,” he said, “but they do expect 100 per cent effort, measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist. Leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles.”
The Presidency has not yet publicly responded to the criticism or provided detailed clarification on how the planned reliance on solar power at the Villa fits into its wider strategy to stabilise and expand electricity supply across the country.
