Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over plans to power the Presidential Villa with solar energy, arguing that the move sends the wrong signal at a time when millions of Nigerians still struggle with unreliable electricity.
According to reports, the Villa’s solar infrastructure has been allocated roughly N10 billion in the 2025 budget, with additional provisions proposed for upgrades.
Whether the seat of power should unlink from the national grid when the rest of the system is weak has become controversial with the development.
In a statement on social media, Obi said that earlier campaign promises included providing consistent power within four years.
He pointed out that more than two years into the present government, the grid still experienced regular malfunctions and limited generating capacity.
While renewable energy adoption is widely regarded as forward-thinking, critics contend that government institutions should prioritise national grid stabilisation before considering independent solutions.
Chronically underperforming, Nigeria’s electricity system has repeatedly failed. Although installed capacity exceeds 13,000 megawatts, actual production has remained very low, leaving homes and businesses reliant on expensive generators.
Obi insisted that leadership should reflect the realities facing residents, emphasizing that visible work and verifiable progress in addressing the electricity infrastructure are vital to rebuilding public trust.
