Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to urgently address Nigeria’s worsening power crisis following yet another collapse of the national grid, which has left millions of Nigerians in darkness. This latest grid failure, which occurred on Tuesday, marks the 10th collapse of 2024, underscoring the fragility of the country’s electricity infrastructure.
Obi, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, expressed deep frustration over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges. Drawing a comparison, he highlighted South Africa’s recent achievement of seven months of uninterrupted power supply, despite having a population one-fourth the size of Nigeria’s and generating 40,000 MW of electricity — ten times more than Nigeria’s struggling grid capacity.
“Once again, we’re met with the all-too-common news of a National Grid collapse. Meanwhile, South Africa, which has faced its own electricity issues, is celebrating a significant milestone in consistent power supply,” Obi said. “This is a stark contrast that highlights the urgent need for structural change in Nigeria’s power sector.”
The ongoing grid failures have ignited frustration among Nigerians nationwide, with many questioning why the government has been unable to provide reliable power. Obi used this moment to address those who have accused him of promoting tribal or religious divides, clarifying that his stance on the power crisis is rooted in the need for equal progress across all regions and communities.
“Are there any groups, regions, or religions in Nigeria that enjoy uninterrupted power? None,” he remarked, emphasizing that the entire nation is suffering equally. “We must stop dividing ourselves along ethnic or religious lines and instead unite in demanding efficient, transformative leadership.”
Obi called for collective action and visionary leadership to address Nigeria’s challenges. He argued that the solution does not lie in tribal or religious affiliations but in electing leaders who can drive Nigeria towards self-sustaining economic growth. He underscored the need to invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, transforming Nigeria from a consumer-driven economy to a productive one.
“We must elect leaders who are capable, competent, and visionary, willing to invest our limited resources in sectors that foster long-term development,” Obi said. “Transforming Nigeria’s power sector is not just about addressing one problem; it’s about laying the foundation for a prosperous nation where resources are channeled towards lifting citizens out of poverty.”
