Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu vowed not to seek a second term if he failed to significantly improve electricity supply within four years.
The controversy stems from remarks Tinubu made during a business luncheon in December 2022 ahead of the 2023 election, when he said, “If I don’t give you constant electricity for four years, when I come back for a second term, don’t vote for me.”
Speaking on Arise News, Onanuga argued that the President’s comments have been taken out of context. According to him, Tinubu did not make an outright promise to abandon a re-election bid but acknowledged that Nigerians should also consider the challenges inherited by his administration if electricity supply falls short of expectations.
He said Tinubu had pledged to improve power supply and tackle estimated billing, noting that the government has been producing meters and directing electricity distribution companies to provide them to consumers free of charge.
Onanuga also highlighted the signing of the Electricity Act as a major reform, saying it allows states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently. He added that several states are already taking advantage of the law, which is expected to make the sector more competitive.
While admitting that power supply has not yet reached the level envisioned by the President, Onanuga blamed longstanding challenges within the sector. He said Nigeria has an installed generation capacity of about 13,500 megawatts but continues to face obstacles including gas shortages, legacy debts exceeding ₦4 trillion owed to gas suppliers, and an outdated transmission grid.
According to him, the administration is working to address these issues through ongoing reforms aimed at improving generation, transmission and electricity distribution across the country.
Despite the challenges, Onanuga maintained that the government remains committed to delivering better power supply and strengthening Nigeria’s electricity sector.
