Onanuga denies Tinubu pledged to quit re-election over power supply
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu had pledged not to seek a second term if he failed to improve electricity supply, stating the remarks were taken out of context and were conditional, not a firm commitment. Speaking on Arise News, Onanuga said Tinubu’s 2022 campaign comment on power was meant as a condition, not a promise to abandon re-election.
He explained that the President has shown commitment to power sector reform since assuming office, citing the signing of the Electricity Act that allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. Onanuga also pointed to government efforts to tackle estimated billing through increased meter distribution and other interventions aimed at improving service delivery. While admitting that electricity supply has not yet reached the level envisioned by the administration, he attributed the shortfall to longstanding issues such as gas shortages, legacy debts owed to gas suppliers, and an outdated transmission infrastructure. Onanuga maintained that the Federal Government remains focused on addressing these challenges and improving power generation and distribution across the country.
The clarification matters because it directly addresses public debate over political accountability and the president’s re-election prospects amid persistent power challenges. Voters assessing Tinubu’s performance need to distinguish between campaign rhetoric and actual policy actions, especially as states gain more authority over electricity under the new Act. Understanding the administration’s stated priorities and ongoing constraints helps citizens evaluate whether promised reforms are progressing.
Will improvements in power supply influence your voting decisions in the upcoming election, or do other factors such as economy and security weigh more heavily?