2026 Budget: Peter Obi Faults Tinubu Over Plan to Take Aso Rock Off National Grid

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over plans to disconnect the Presidential Villa from the national grid, describing the move as a betrayal of the president’s campaign promise on electricity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate expressed disappointment over reports that Aso Rock is set to rely solely on solar power, while millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with erratic electricity supply.

Obi drew attention to Tinubu’s widely publicised pledge during the 2023 election campaign, in which the president declared: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure.”

According to Obi, 32 months into the administration, Nigerians are witnessing a departure from that promise.

“The President now dumps the National Grid that has been performing abysmally under his watch,” Obi said, citing reports of N10 billion allocated for solar power at Aso Rock in the 2025 budget and another substantial provision in the 2026 budget for upgrades and maintenance.

Obi argued that the development raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to improving national infrastructure.

“It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid,” he said. “One would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately, citizens can benefit.”

While acknowledging the benefits of renewable energy, Obi insisted the issue transcends environmental considerations, pointing to a deeper concern about governance.

“You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” he said.

The former governor acknowledged that Nigerians do not expect perfection from their leaders but emphasised that they deserve visible effort and transparency.

“Leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles,” the statement read.

Obi urged the Federal Government to prioritise reforms aimed at strengthening the national grid rather than creating the perception of detachment from the country’s power challenges.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any response to Obi’s statement.