The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the worsening state of electricity in Nigeria, accusing the president of reneging on his bold campaign promise to provide stable, 24/7 power supply within four years.
In a strongly worded statement released via social media on Sunday morning, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, directly addressed the president, reminding him of his public vow to transform the power sector. Abdullahi referenced an earlier campaign video where Tinubu pledged to abolish estimated billing, modernize the grid, and ensure uninterrupted electricity nationwide.
“Good morning, Nigerians,” Abdullahi began. “Today, we just want to take some time to remind President Tinubu that he promised Nigerians uninterrupted electricity within four years. Yes, that’s right Mr. President promised us 24/7 power. All by himself.”
The ADC spokesman went on to catalogue what he called “alarming failures” in the power sector since Tinubu took office. According to him, electricity tariffs have increased by a staggering 240%, yet supply remains grossly inadequate. He highlighted that the national grid has collapsed 12 times during the president’s tenure.
“Over 90 million Nigerians are still living without electricity,” Abdullahi noted, “and for many of those who do, power is available for just 4 to 6 hours per day under the ineffective Band A–E system. In rural areas, where most of the country’s estimated 50 million households live, the situation is even worse many remain completely off-grid.”
The ADC criticised the administration for what it described as a lack of progress, innovation, or urgency in addressing the country’s deep-rooted power challenges.
“We are more than halfway through this administration’s term,” Abdullahi said. “Still, millions of Nigerians are forced to charge their phones at roadside kiosks and spend hundreds of thousands of naira monthly to run fuel generators. Where is the light? What happened to your promise? How much longer must Nigerians remain in the dark?”
The statement concluded with a direct citation of Tinubu’s own campaign words from a widely circulated video, where the then-candidate made a passionate commitment to end Nigeria’s electricity woes:
“Whichever way, by all means necessary, you must have electricity. And you will not pay the estimated bill anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep my promise and I come back for a second time, don’t vote for me.”
Addressing this statement, Abdullahi said pointedly: “Mr. President, Nigerians are listening. And come 2027, we intend to grant your wish.”
The ADC’s remarks appear to be setting the tone for what may become a major point of contention in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, as citizens grow increasingly frustrated over chronic electricity shortages and rising energy costs.
