Peter Obi urges Nigerians to deny Tinubu second term over power woes

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to hold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accountable for the country’s worsening electricity situation and to reject any attempt at re-election in 2027.

Obi’s comments, made on Saturday, April 4, 2026, referenced a campaign promise Tinubu made during the 2023 elections, in which he pledged to deliver stable electricity within four years or forgo a second term.

“During his campaign, Tinubu said: ‘If I don’t give you constant electricity in four years, don’t vote for me for a second term,’” Obi reminded Nigerians in a post on his X account. “That condition has clearly not been met, and Nigerians should hold him to his word.”

The former Anambra governor criticised the current administration’s handling of power, noting that generation levels have declined from the over 4,000 megawatts recorded when Tinubu assumed office in 2023, even as tariffs have risen significantly. He also highlighted that Nigeria’s per capita electricity consumption stands at just 144 kilowatt-hours, far below the African average of 617 kWh.

“Nigeria now consumes the least electricity of all African nations. While other countries in Africa enjoy higher access to power, Nigerians are left struggling with persistent shortages and escalating costs,” Obi said.

Obi further cited a recent event in Jos on April 2, 2026, when Tinubu made a brief airport stop to meet with families affected by attacks in the city. According to Obi, the president left after only ten minutes, allegedly because there was no electricity at the airport.

“You have no light here — I fly out in ten minutes,” Obi recalled Tinubu as saying. He described this as a clear demonstration of a leadership disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.

The former governor argued that the electricity crisis reflects deeper failings in governance and leadership. He called on Nigerians to use the 2027 elections to demand accountability and better service delivery from their leaders.

“Now is the time to reject leaders who lack both capacity and compassion, who prioritise their own comfort over the welfare of the people, and who break promises with impunity,” Obi said.