The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for its defense of President Bola Tinubu's electricity pledge. Atiku stated that Nigerians are still grappling with unreliable electricity, rising tariffs, and the high cost of alternative power, over three years after Tinubu promised steady electricity supply. He emphasized that policy announcements and financial commitments cannot replace measurable improvements in electricity supply.
Atiku's comments were made in response to APC's defense of the administration's electricity policies. APC spokesman Dele Alake had cited ongoing power sector reforms, including the Electricity Act 2023, a N4 trillion bond programme, metering initiatives, transmission projects, and state electricity reforms. However, Atiku argued that these efforts have not translated into improved electricity supply for Nigerians. He accused the ruling party of highlighting paperwork while homes and businesses remain in darkness.
The former vice president also criticized the electricity band system, arguing that consumers are paying different tariffs without corresponding improvements in power supply. He cited Band A tariffs of about N209.50 per unit in many areas, excluding Value Added Tax, as an example of the financial burden on electricity consumers. Atiku maintained that Nigerians across the five electricity bands are paying for a service they cannot reliably access.
Atiku proposed collaboration with state governments and regulators to abolish the existing band system and introduce a fairer and more affordable framework that would hold electricity companies accountable for the power they deliver. He also questioned the Federal Government's plan to end electricity subsidies from 2027, demanding clarity on how the policy would affect household and business electricity bills.
The ADC presidential campaign council also criticized the administration's multitrillion-naira bond programme designed to settle legacy debts owed to electricity generation companies. Atiku argued that clearing outstanding debts should not be presented as investment in new generation infrastructure. He alleged that the Tinubu administration has not constructed any new power generation infrastructure to expand the country's electricity capacity.
Atiku further raised concerns about VAT on electricity and the five percent surcharge provided for certain fossil fuels under the Nigeria Tax Act. He argued that Nigerians already struggling with energy costs deserve clarity on the possibility of additional charges. Atiku recalled Tinubu's campaign promise ahead of the 2023 presidential election, in which the president challenged Nigerians not to re-elect him if he failed to provide constant electricity within four years.
Atiku insisted that Nigerians have now experienced the period the president set for himself and should no longer be expected to rely on explanations from his campaign council. He emphasized that tangible results, not policy announcements, are needed to address the country's electricity challenges.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes APC's defense of Tinubu's electricity pledge, emphasizing the need for tangible results.
- The former vice president proposes collaboration with state governments to abolish the existing electricity band system.
- Atiku questions the Federal Government's plan to end electricity subsidies from 2027, demanding clarity on its impact on household and business electricity bills.
