Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening electricity crisis, accusing his administration of offering excuses while millions of households and businesses continue to struggle with unreliable power supply.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by his senior media aide, Phrank Shuaibu, said the government’s explanations for persistent electricity challenges had failed to address the hardship facing Nigerians.
He argued that Nigerians were tired of what he described as excuses and propaganda from the Tinubu administration, insisting that citizens needed reliable electricity rather than repeated promises.
“Tinubu’s electricity excuses cannot light a single home. Nigerians need light, not excuses,” Atiku said.
Atiku Questions Electricity Tariffs Amid Poor Power Supply
The ADC presidential candidate faulted the government’s handling of the power sector, arguing that electricity consumers were paying different tariffs without receiving a consistently reliable supply.
According to him, customers are classified under Bands A, B, C, D and E, with electricity charges varying according to their service providers, locations and tariff categories.
Atiku cited Band A customers, who he said pay approximately N209.50 per kilowatt-hour before value-added tax (VAT) in some areas.
He maintained that consumers across the different tariff bands continued to experience electricity supply challenges despite the financial burden of their bills.
“Across every band, the same hardship endures: the power fails, but the bill arrives,” he said.
Atiku also expressed concern about the pressure high electricity costs place on households and businesses, arguing that families should not have to choose between paying electricity bills and buying food.
He added that businesses should not be expected to pay more for electricity while receiving inadequate service.
Atiku Seeks Clarity on Planned Electricity Subsidy Removal in 2027
Atiku also questioned the Tinubu administration’s reported plan to end electricity subsidies from 2027, calling for greater clarity on how the policy would affect consumers.
He noted that the government had indicated there would be no immediate electricity tariff increase while signalling plans to phase out subsidies in the coming years.
The former vice president asked the administration to explain what would happen to electricity bills once the subsidies were withdrawn.
“The government now says it plans to end electricity subsidies from 2027, even as it insists there will be no immediate tariff increase. Nigerians are entitled to a clear answer: what will happen to their bills when the subsidy ends?” he queried.
Atiku’s remarks highlight concerns about the relationship between electricity pricing, government subsidies and the quality of power supply available to consumers.
The financial implications of subsidy changes remain a key concern for households and businesses already dealing with rising living costs.
Atiku Calls for Stable Electricity Supply
The ADC presidential candidate urged the Tinubu administration to stop playing politics with the electricity crisis and focus on delivering a stable power supply across the country.
He argued that Nigerians needed practical solutions to persistent outages rather than explanations that offered little relief to affected communities.
Electricity remains essential to households, commercial activities and industrial production, with unreliable supply often forcing businesses to depend on alternative power sources.
Atiku’s criticism adds to the political debate surrounding the Tinubu administration’s management of the power sector, electricity tariffs and the cost of living.
He maintained that the government should prioritise reliable electricity and provide clear answers about the future cost of power for Nigerian consumers.