A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening electricity supply, accusing his administration of failing to deliver promised reforms.

In a statement released on Monday, Eze said the government had not made meaningful progress in fixing the country’s long-standing power challenges, despite earlier pledges made during the 2023 election campaign.

“Tinubu told Nigerians that he would fix the country’s failed electricity supply through power sector reforms,” Eze said.

“Today, what we see… is total and horrifying darkness.”

Why it matters

Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply remains a major constraint on economic growth, affecting businesses, households, and public services.

Frequent grid collapses and power outages have forced many companies and homes to rely on expensive alternatives such as diesel and petrol generators.

Analysts say this increases the cost of doing business, contributes to inflation, and slows industrial productivity.

Blame over power sector failures

Eze’s comments follow recent remarks by President Tinubu, who attributed Nigeria’s electricity shortages to structural problems linked to past privatisation of the sector.

The President said earlier reforms left deep-rooted challenges that continue to affect performance.

But Eze rejected that explanation.

“Resorting to blame past administrations… is an excuse in futility,” he said.

“It is regrettable… that a man who promised to give light to Nigerians… is now blaming others.”

He added that the administration had received significant budgetary allocations but had yet to deliver improvements.

Broader criticism of government performance

Beyond electricity, Eze accused the administration of wider governance failures.

“Is it only in the power sector that Mr President has failed Nigerians? Certainly, the answer is no,” he said.

“The hallmark of this administration has been failure, ineptitude, corruption and foreign borrowing.”

He also raised concerns about the safety of electricity workers, suggesting public frustration over outages could put them at risk.

Industry and public perspectives

Energy experts have long argued that Nigeria’s electricity challenges stem from multiple issues, including:

Aging infrastructure

Weak transmission networks

Liquidity problems in the power value chain

Policy inconsistency

While some analysts agree that structural issues predate the current administration, others say reforms need clearer execution and accountability.

For many Nigerians, however, the immediate concern remains access to stable and affordable electricity.

Political implications

Eze urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable based on campaign promises.

“In his 2023 campaign pledge… Nigerians should not vote for him if he failed to improve electricity supply,” he said.

“Now… Tinubu has failed… and has no single excuse.”

He also criticised the ruling party for blaming past governments despite being in power for over a decade.

What’s next

The federal government has said it is working on reforms aimed at improving generation, transmission, and distribution.

These include investments in infrastructure and efforts to attract private sector participation.

However, experts say sustained policy implementation and transparency will be key to restoring confidence in the sector.

A political analyst and support group coordinator, Comrade Ambrose Ezenweani, has argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the leading figure ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, describing him as “unstoppable” if current political trends continue.

In a political analysis document released under the banner Tinubu Unopposed Mandate, Ezenweani said the president could secure re-election in what he described as a “free and fair atmosphere”, while also urging former vice-president Atiku Abubakar to consider a strategic alliance with the incumbent.

The remarks come as conversations around the 2027 race begin to gather momentum, with political observers already assessing the strengths of likely contenders.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s 2027 election is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Africa, with major attention on whether the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) can retain power amid economic reforms, inflation concerns, and security challenges.

Ezenweani argued that President Tinubu’s current leadership trajectory and the APC’s political machinery place him in a strong position.

“Based on the current trajectory, I see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu winning.”

However, analysts note that political projections at this stage remain speculative, with party primaries, coalition talks, and public sentiment likely to shape the final outcome.

Atiku urged to consider alliance

The analyst suggested that Atiku’s most “strategically profitable” move would be to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition rather than mount another presidential bid.

According to the document, such an alliance could preserve Atiku’s political structure and position him favourably for a possible 2031 contest.

This view is likely to spark debate across party lines, especially among supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Atiku remains a prominent figure.

Political experts contacted by NigeriaUpdates say any alliance of this scale would depend on wider negotiations involving regional interests, party leadership, and electoral strategy.

Claims about Peter Obi’s chances

The analysis also cast doubt on the 2027 prospects of Peter Obi, suggesting he may struggle to replicate the momentum that defined the 2023 election.

The document argues that three factors that boosted Obi’s performance in 2023 — church-backed mobilisation, youth-driven anti-establishment energy, and the perceived credibility of the Labour Party — may no longer be as strong.

These claims remain the opinion of the author and have not been independently verified.

Political watchers say youth participation, economic hardship, and social media mobilisation could still play a major role in 2027, making it too early to rule out any major contender.

What’s next

With nearly a year before the formal campaign cycle begins, attention is likely to focus on:

coalition talks among opposition parties

performance of the current administration

regional zoning debates

party primary contests

voter sentiment among young Nigerians

The coming months may determine whether early political projections translate into actual electoral momentum.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa says candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State will be chosen based on merit, loyalty and electoral viability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also set an ambitious target of one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.

Why it matters

The governor’s remarks signal early political positioning within the APC as parties begin groundwork for the 2027 elections.

His emphasis on internal discipline and consensus could shape how candidates emerge and reduce post-primary conflicts that often weaken party performance.

“Not a do-or-die affair”

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged aspirants to avoid desperation.

“It is not a do-or-die affair. If you are not chosen, do not rock the boat. Remain in the party. One day, opportunity will come.”

He warned against defections, encouraging those who lose party tickets to stay loyal.

How candidates will emerge

The governor outlined the selection process, which includes:

Expression of interest and nomination forms

Screening and possible appeals

Direct primaries or consensus arrangements

He said consultations were already ongoing and stressed that only one candidate would emerge per position.

Party unity and structure expansion

Aiyedatiwa revealed that APC leadership in Ondo has expanded its stakeholder base from 10 to 60 leaders per local government.

He said this would deepen inclusiveness and grassroots participation.

The governor also reaffirmed the party’s goal of retaining power at both state and national levels.

Support for Tinubu’s administration

Governor Aiyedatiwa cited infrastructure and policy initiatives as reasons to support President Tinubu.

These include:

Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway

Ore–Akure road dualisation

Ibadan–Ilesa–Akure–Benin highway

Student loan schemes

He described the 2027 election as a “task that must be achieved” for the APC.

Party leadership backs governor

APC State Chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, reaffirmed the governor’s leadership within the party.

“Ultimate authority in the party rests with the governor,” he said, warning against divided loyalty.

He urged aspirants to accept party decisions and remain patient.

Calls for development projects

Stakeholders at the meeting also highlighted development needs.

APC leader Kayode Famuyiwa called for a College of Agriculture and Food Technology in Idanre.

He said the absence of a tertiary institution in the area was limiting youth development.

Voices from stakeholders

Officials and party leaders praised the governor’s performance across sectors.

Former Speaker Kenneth Olawale highlighted urban renewal efforts in Akure, including traffic management improvements.

Meanwhile, community leaders called for more infrastructure, including flyovers to ease congestion.

What’s next

The APC is expected to continue consultations ahead of its primary elections, with decisions on consensus or direct primaries likely to shape internal dynamics.

Political observers say maintaining unity will be key to achieving the party’s electoral targets in 2027.