Tinubu Never Asked Nigerians to Reject Him Over Power Supply, Presidential Aide Clarifies

The Presidency has pushed back against claims that President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians not to support his re-election bid if he failed to improve electricity supply, insisting that his remarks have been taken out of context.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said critics, particularly opposition figures, have misrepresented the President’s comments regarding the power sector. According to him, Tinubu’s statement during the 2023 campaign was intended to demonstrate his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges rather than serve as an invitation for voters to reject him.

The clarification follows recent remarks by opposition politician Peter Obi, who argued that Nigerians should hold the President to his campaign promise on electricity and assess his administration based on its performance in the sector. Obi had cited Tinubu’s pledge on power supply while criticising the current state of electricity generation and distribution in the country.

Responding to the criticism, Onanuga maintained that the administration has been implementing reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. He noted that the challenges facing the sector are longstanding and cannot be resolved overnight, particularly given infrastructure deficits and legacy issues inherited by the government.

The presidential aide further argued that ongoing investments and policy measures are laying the groundwork for a more stable power sector, adding that the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises despite existing constraints.

The exchange has added to the growing political debate ahead of the 2027 elections, with both the Presidency and opposition figures continuing to trade views over the administration’s record and campaign commitments.