Peter Obi Slams Plan to Disconnect Presidential Villa From National Grid
President Bola Tinubu is facing fresh criticism over Nigeria’s electricity crisis following reports that the Presidential Villa plans to disconnect from the national grid in favor of solar power. The move has reignited debates over a 2023 campaign pledge where Tinubu declared: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure.”
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi noted that 32 months into the administration, the current situation stands in stark contrast to that assurance. He remarked that instead of “living by his powerful words,” the President “now dumps National Grid that has been performing abysmally under his watch.”
The critique follows budget provisions allocating ₦10 billion in 2025 and further substantial funds in 2026 for solar infrastructure at Aso Rock. Obi observed that Nigerians are “being scarcitically told that Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.”
Obi argued that the seat of power moving to a private energy source sends a negative message to the public. He stated, “It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid,” adding that government institutions should instead lead efforts to expand the system.
The former presidential candidate questioned who would advocate for the energy needs of common citizens if the leadership isolates itself. “If those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?” he asked in his statement.
While acknowledging that solar energy is a necessary future step, Obi insisted that the current transition reflects “governance lacking compassion.” He used a moral comparison to describe the detachment, asserting: “You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured.”
Obi concluded by stating that while 100% fulfillment of every promise is not expected, citizens deserve visible effort and transparency. He emphasized that “leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles,” urging the government to prioritize fixing the national grid.
