Presidency Responds to Peter Obi's Criticism
The presidency has stated that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, is unaware of Nigeria's actual power-generating capacity. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the country's megawatt capacity has increased since Tinubu took office. Onanuga made this remark in response to Obi's recent criticism of the Tinubu administration's performance in the power sector.
Onanuga Clarifies Power Sector Challenges
In an interview on AriseTV, Onanuga explained that the problem with Nigeria's electricity is not a shortage of gas. Instead, he pointed to a legacy debt of over N4 trillion owed by players in the sector to gas companies, which has become a major headache for the current administration. He stated: "Power generation has increased. We are not at the level the president met. We already have in Nigeria a stored capacity of 13,500 megawatts. The problem we are having is no gas. The players in the sector owe the gas companies a legacy debt of over N4 trillion, which has become the problem of this administration."
Public Reactions to the Presidency's Statement
The interview has sparked reactions from Nigerians on social media. A user named Echeosigwe defended Obi, arguing that the installed capacity of 13,000MW is barely delivering 5,000MW, and Obi's plan to generate, transmit, and distribute at least 10,000MW in four years remains valid. Another user, Iyalaya, supported Onanuga, claiming Obi is ignorant about Nigeria's challenges. Mr LEC criticized the presidency for focusing on solar grids instead of solving electricity problems. Dante Ugwu noted that developed countries no longer discuss basic amenities like electricity and roads, accusing Nigerian leaders of being backward.
Wike Also Criticizes Peter Obi
In related news, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also knocked Peter Obi, accusing him of lacking courage as a politician. Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, said leadership involves confronting and fixing existing problems. His comments came in response to Obi's political trajectory from APGA to PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and now the NDC.
