Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) has emphasised the need for collective action and visionary leadership to address Nigeria’s chronic power crisis.
He said another familiar announcement confirmed on Tuesday that Nigeria’s National Grid collapsed again, which he said underscored the nation’s ongoing struggle with unreliable electricity.
Drawing a comparison with South Africa, Obi noted that on October 25, the country celebrated seven months of uninterrupted power supply.
“South Africa, once the second-largest economy in Africa after Nigeria and with only a quarter of our population, generates and distributes about 40,000 megawatts of electricity,” he pointed out.
The former Anambra State Governor said meanwhile, Nigeria struggles to provide just 10% of that, noting that despite this stark disparity, daily power outages have become a harsh reality for many Nigerians.
Addressing those who misinterpret his concerns, Obi stated, “When I ask if any tribe in Nigeria enjoys uninterrupted power supply like South Africa, I am labelled a tribal bigot. When I ask if any religion receives special privileges amid this crisis, I am called a religious bigot.”
He underscored that Nigeria’s power problem affects all citizens equally, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
“The solution lies not in tribal or religious affiliations,” Obi continued, “but in visionary leadership and a shared commitment to progress.”
He urged Nigerians to look beyond “primordial sentiments” and focus on electing leaders capable of transforming the country into a productive economy.
According to Obi, this transformation requires prioritizing investments in health, education, and infrastructure—particularly electricity production and distribution—to lift people out of poverty and pave the way for sustainable development.
Obi’s statement comes at a time when Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated with the country’s energy instability and rising living costs.
His call to action highlights the urgency of systemic reform in the energy sector, as well as the importance of unity and visionary governance in overcoming national challenges.
