Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has blamed Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis on leadership failure, saying the country’s power problems are the result of poor planning, weak governance, and lack of accountability.
Speaking at a public forum, Obi argued that Nigeria has the resources and technical capacity to generate stable electricity but lacks the political will to implement sustainable solutions. He described power supply as a fundamental driver of economic growth.
Obi said unreliable electricity has crippled industries, discouraged investors, and forced businesses to rely on expensive alternatives such as diesel generators. According to him, this has increased production costs and worsened unemployment.
He criticized successive administrations for treating power reforms as political slogans rather than long-term national projects. Obi stressed that transparency, competent management, and continuity are essential for progress in the sector.
The former Anambra State governor called for decentralization of power generation and distribution, allowing states and private investors to play more active roles.
Energy experts have echoed similar views, noting that inconsistent policies and regulatory uncertainty continue to hinder progress. Obi urged leaders to prioritize national interest over politics, warning that economic recovery is impossible without reliable power.
