…says Presidency must not ‘escape’ Nigeria’s power crisis
By James
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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised reported plans to disconnect the Aso Rock Presidential Villa from Nigeria’s national electricity grid, describing the move as symbolic of misplaced priorities in a country still battling chronic power shortages.
Obi, who flew the flag of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, made his position known amid reports that the Presidency is considering a transition of the Villa to an independent power arrangement, including solar energy installations. The development comes against the backdrop of persistent electricity instability nationwide, with households and businesses grappling with erratic supply, rising tariffs, and frequent grid collapses.
Nigeria’s power sector has remained one of the most contentious issues in public policy discourse. During the 2023 campaign season, President Bola Tinubu pledged to deliver more stable electricity within four years, reportedly urging Nigerians not to grant him a second term if he failed to make tangible progress. Nearly three years into the administration, however, large segments of the population continue to rely on generators and alternative power sources due to inconsistent grid performance.
Budget documents have also drawn public attention. The 2025 federal budget reportedly earmarked about ₦10 billion for solar power projects at the Presidential Villa, with additional provisions in the proposed 2026 budget for upgrades and maintenance. The reports that the seat of power may be taken off the national grid have, therefore, triggered debate about the broader message such a decision could send.
Obi argued that while investment in renewable energy is commendable and necessary for long-term sustainability, the Presidency should not appear to detach itself from the challenges confronting ordinary citizens who depend largely on the national grid.
According to him, the Presidential Villa should serve as a model for strengthening public infrastructure rather than insulating itself from systemic weaknesses. He maintained that leadership carries both practical and symbolic weight, and that the government must demonstrate visible commitment to revitalising the grid to support economic growth, job creation, and industrial productivity.
He stressed that millions of Nigerians, from small-scale traders to manufacturers, continue to shoulder the financial burden of unreliable power, often spending a significant portion of their income on fuel and alternative energy sources. In his view, reforms in the power sector must prioritise expanding generation capacity, modernising transmission infrastructure, and ensuring efficient distribution nationwide.
While acknowledging the global shift toward renewable energy and the importance of diversifying energy sources, Obi emphasised the need for transparency and measurable outcomes in public spending. He noted that citizens may not demand perfection from government but expect clear evidence of effort, accountability, and sustained progress.
The controversy over the Villa’s reported disconnection from the national grid has since ignited broader conversations about governance optics, policy direction, and the pace of power sector reforms. For critics, the issue is not merely about solar panels or grid connections, but about whether national leadership is sufficiently aligned with the everyday struggles of Nigerians navigating an economy heavily constrained by unreliable electricity.
As debates continue, the episode underscores the enduring centrality of power reform to Nigeria’s economic future, and the political weight that electricity promises still carry in shaping public perception of leadership performance.
