Tinubu never promised Nigerians 24-hour electricity, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says, accusing Peter Obi of misrepresenting the President’s 2023 campaign remarks on power supply.
The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised Nigerians uninterrupted 24-hour electricity during the 2023 presidential campaign, describing the assertion as a deliberate misrepresentation of his campaign message.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification while responding to recent comments by Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, who criticized the Tinubu administration over insecurity, economic hardship, and electricity supply challenges.
Obi had argued that President Tinubu should emulate the example of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer by stepping down in the face of growing public dissatisfaction. He cited several challenges facing the country, including worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and what he described as the failure to fulfill campaign promises on electricity.
According to Obi, Tinubu had promised Nigerians 24-hour electricity and challenged voters not to re-elect him if he failed to deliver.
However, Onanuga strongly rejected the claim, insisting that the President never made such a blanket promise to all Nigerians.
He accused Obi and his supporters of repeatedly taking Tinubu’s campaign remarks out of context for political purposes.
“Concerning President Tinubu’s campaign promises on power supply, it is misleading for Peter Obi to parrot the claim that candidate Tinubu guaranteed 24-hour electricity for all,” Onanuga stated.
The presidential aide explained that Tinubu’s comments were made during a campaign rally in Lagos and were focused on improving electricity access and ending the burden of estimated billing on consumers.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu’s exact statement was: “Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep the promise and I come for a second term, don’t vote for me—unless I give you adequate reasons why I couldn’t deliver.”
Defending the administration’s performance in the power sector, Onanuga pointed to ongoing reforms initiated by the Tinubu government. He highlighted the implementation of the Electricity Act, efforts to expand prepaid meter deployment nationwide, and investments in alternative and renewable energy sources aimed at improving power supply across the country.
The exchange marks the latest political disagreement between the Presidency and opposition figures over the administration’s performance nearly three years after the 2023 elections, with both sides continuing to debate the government’s record on key issues affecting Nigerians.
As discussions over electricity supply, economic reforms, and national security persist, the controversy underscores the growing political scrutiny ahead of future electoral contests.
