Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he called recurring failures in Nigeria’s electricity sector. Obi highlighted multiple national grid collapses and raised concerns about the government’s inability to deliver on promises made during Tinubu’s campaign.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on January 28, 2026, Obi reminded Nigerians of Tinubu’s 2022 pledge that if he failed to provide “steady electricity in my first four years,” citizens should not vote for him for a second term. Obi said the current pattern of grid collapses contradicts that promise and represents a serious national issue.
Obi noted that the national grid collapsed twice in January 2026 alone, even before the month ended, and recalled that in 2025 the grid collapsed around 12 times. He described these incidents as evidence that the promise of reliable electricity remains unmet.
Recent reports confirm that Nigeria’s national power grid suffered at least two system failures in January 2026, including one that occurred just four days after the previous collapse. Transmission monitoring data showed sharp drops in power generation, leaving distribution companies with zero load allocation and causing widespread outages across many states.
Operational problems cited include transmission line trips and voltage disturbances affecting major substations. On January 27, 2026, the grid collapsed around midday, cutting power to several distribution networks before restoration efforts began.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages the grid, described one of the failures as a “voltage disturbance” originating from a transmission substation. Officials said corrective actions were taken and electricity supply was eventually restored.
During his 2023 campaign, President Tinubu had made improving electricity a central promise, assuring Nigerians of more stable and reliable power within his first four years. He emphasized that a lack of steady electricity should influence voters’ decisions on his potential second term. Opposition figures and civil society groups have consistently referenced this pledge as a benchmark for assessing government performance.
Obi said the repeated grid failures undermine public confidence in electricity sector reforms. He also drew comparisons with countries like Turkey, which he noted generates and distributes far greater electricity relative to its population and infrastructure capacity.
Frequent outages and grid collapses affect both the economy and daily life. Businesses depend on steady power for operations, while households incur higher costs using alternative sources like generators. Industry groups, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have warned that recurring outages drive up expenses for manufacturers and MSMEs, reducing investor confidence.
Experts attribute grid instability to weak transmission infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and mismatches between power generation and distribution. While government efforts have aimed to attract investment and reform management, recurring collapses highlight the sector’s ongoing challenges.
Obi urged Nigerians to demand accountability and responsible leadership, stressing that resolving fundamental domestic issues like electricity should take precedence over political ambitions. He called on citizens to hold leaders to their promises as part of active democratic engagement.
The repeated grid failures have reignited discussions about power sector reform, infrastructure sustainability, and long-term planning, with stakeholders pushing for comprehensive solutions to stabilize electricity supply and mitigate economic losses caused by outages.
