ADC tackles Tinubu, APC over ‘unfulfilled power supply pledge’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of avoiding accountability for President Bola Tinubu's failure to deliver on his 2023 campaign pledge to improve electricity supply. The ADC's Media and Publicity Director, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that Tinubu had explicitly promised Nigerians that they should vote for him only if he fulfilled this promise during his first term.

The opposition party contends that the APC's attempts to reinterpret the President's remarks through selective quotations are an attempt to evade responsibility. The ADC argues that the Tinubu administration has instead increased electricity tariffs, caused persistent power outages, and continued the practice of estimated billing.

They also accuse the government of introducing discriminatory tariff classifications without guaranteeing reliable power supply. Furthermore, the ADC claims that the rising electricity costs have forced businesses, especially hospitality operators, to ration power to customers during the day to cut operating expenses. They question the effectiveness of the Presidential Metering Initiative, alleging that its implementation has fallen short of expectations, with distribution companies still issuing estimated bills to consumers.

The ADC-PCC urges the APC to address the President's campaign commitment directly rather than dilute its meaning through explanations and publicity. They emphasize that Nigerians are entitled to assess their administration against the promise made during the 2023 campaign and that the elections in January 2027 will offer an opportunity to evaluate the administration's performance.

The electricity issue is part of a broader struggle in Nigeria's power sector, characterized by inadequate generation, transmission, distribution inefficiencies, liquidity problems, and frequent grid collapses. Despite various reforms and promises, unreliable power remains a significant concern for citizens.