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Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Promised 24-Hour Electricity for All Nigerians
The Presidency has rejected reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised to deliver uninterrupted electricity to all Nigerians during the 2023 presidential campaign, accusing supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi of twisting the President’s remarks.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as misleading and inaccurate, insisting that Tinubu never guaranteed 24-hour power supply across the country.
Presidency Explains Tinubu’s Actual Promise
In a statement, Onanuga clarified that Tinubu’s campaign pledge was centred on improving electricity distribution and eliminating estimated billing, rather than assuring round-the-clock electricity for every Nigerian household.
According to him, Tinubu had stated during the campaign:
“Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore.”
Tinubu’s Position on Accountability
Onanuga further noted that the President had publicly declared that Nigerians should hold him accountable for the promise. He recalled Tinubu saying that if he failed to deliver and later sought re-election, voters should refuse to support him unless he could provide a convincing explanation for the delay.
The Presidency maintained that the claim that Tinubu promised 24-hour electricity nationwide is a misrepresentation of his actual campaign commitments.
Government Highlights Ongoing Power Sector Reforms
The Presidency has outlined several measures introduced by the administration to improve Nigeria’s electricity sector, describing them as key steps toward achieving a more reliable power supply across the country.
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, one of the administration’s earliest achievements was the signing of the Electricity Act, which empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently, reducing their dependence on the national grid.
He also stated that the government has stepped up efforts to phase out estimated billing through the mass deployment of prepaid meters. Millions of meters have already been distributed, with plans underway to install an additional seven million units nationwide.
Onanuga further noted that electricity generation has shown signs of improvement, while off-grid solar initiatives have been expanded to serve schools, hospitals, markets, and other public facilities in different parts of the country.
Transmission Challenges Still Persist
Despite the progress recorded, the Presidency admitted that significant challenges remain within Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in transmission infrastructure and electricity pricing.
According to Onanuga, the administration is implementing measures aimed at resolving these issues, improving efficiency, and creating an environment that will attract more private investment into the sector.
The clarification comes amid growing political discussions surrounding campaign promises, government performance, and the pace of reforms in Nigeria’s electricity industry.