Former Anambra State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over plans to disconnect the Aso Rock Presidential Villa from the national electricity grid and rely fully on solar power.
The State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed that the Presidential Villa is expected to fully disconnect from the national grid by March 2026 after the completion of its solar power project. Fashedemi made this known while defending the 2026 State House budget before the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly in Abuja.
He told the committee that the solar installation was completed towards the end of 2025 and has been undergoing testing since December. The committee is chaired by Senator Kaka Lawan.
Reacting in a social media post, Obi recalled President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promise on electricity, that: “If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for second tenure.”
Obi said Nigerians were inspired by that promise but are now disappointed with the state of the national grid. He described it as worrying that the seat of power would abandon the grid instead of strengthening it for citizens and businesses.
“One would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately, citizens can benefit,” he said.
He added that while renewable energy is important, leaders should not isolate themselves from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. “You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” Obi said.
The former governor stressed that Nigerians may not expect full fulfilment of all promises but want clear effort and progress from their leaders. “Leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles,” he added.
