Onanuga Defends Tinubu Over Electricity Promise Debate

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu promised not to seek a second term if he failed to deliver major improvements in electricity supply within four years.

The debate arose from comments Tinubu made during a business luncheon in December 2022 ahead of the 2023 general election. At the event, he said, “If I don’t give you constant electricity for four years, when I come back for a second term, don’t vote for me.”

Speaking on Arise News, Onanuga argued that the statement has been widely misunderstood. According to him, the President was outlining his commitment to improving power supply rather than making a binding pledge to abandon any future re-election campaign. He added that Nigerians should also consider the difficulties inherited by the administration when assessing progress in the power sector.

Discussing the government’s efforts, Onanuga said electricity reforms remain a key priority. He noted that the administration has taken steps to address estimated billing by increasing meter production and directing electricity distribution companies to provide meters to consumers free of charge.

The presidential aide also highlighted the Electricity Act as one of the administration’s most significant achievements. He explained that the legislation allows states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently, creating opportunities for greater competition and investment across the sector.

While acknowledging that power supply improvement has not yet reached the level envisioned by the President, Onanuga pointed to several longstanding challenges. These include gas supply constraints, legacy debts exceeding ₦4 trillion owed to gas suppliers, and weaknesses within the national transmission network.

Despite these obstacles, he insisted that the government remains focused on delivering lasting power supply improvement through ongoing reforms. According to Onanuga, efforts are continuing to strengthen electricity generation, transmission and distribution in order to build a more reliable and efficient energy sector for Nigerians.