Nigeria: APC, Atiku Differ Over Tinubu's Electricity Promise

What the report says

Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have renewed their dispute over President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise on electricity, according to a Leadership report carried by AllAfrica. The argument centers on whether Tinubu’s pledge to improve power supply and end estimated billing should be judged by the full statement he made during the campaign or by the pace of results since he took office in 2023.

The APC, through campaign spokesman Dele Alake, said critics were quoting the promise selectively and argued that the administration has taken steps to reform the sector. Among the measures cited were the Electricity Act 2023, state-level electricity regulatory moves, metering efforts, debt settlement for power companies, and transmission upgrades. Alake said the power crisis remains unresolved but insisted the government is still working toward the promise.

Atiku, speaking through a statement issued by the African Democratic Congress campaign team, rejected that defense and said Nigerians have yet to see dependable electricity in homes and businesses. He argued that laws, bonds and project approvals do not amount to actual supply, and criticized current tariffs and subsidy questions. He also said he would support reforms aimed at abolishing the band system and making electricity more affordable and accountable.

The exchange comes amid broader public scrutiny of Nigeria’s long-running electricity shortages, high power costs and pressure on households and small businesses. The report notes that Tinubu is expected to seek re-election in 2027, making his campaign promise a continuing political issue.