The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of failing woefully to live up to its campaign promise of delivering uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians within four years.
In a scathing statement shared on Saturday via social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim spokesperson of the coalition-backed ADC, expressed deep disappointment at what he described as a blatant betrayal of trust by the Tinubu administration.
Abdullahi reminded citizens that President Tinubu had boldly assured Nigerians of a 24/7 electricity supply as a central pillar of his 2023 presidential campaign, a promise that helped garner widespread public support.
“Today, we just want to take some time to remind President Tinubu that he promised Nigerians uninterrupted electricity within four years… Mr. President promised us 24/7 power. All by himself,” Abdullahi posted.
The ADC accused the government not only of failing to improve the country’s ailing power sector but of significantly worsening it. According to the party, electricity tariffs have risen by a staggering 240% since Tinubu assumed office, while the national grid has collapsed no fewer than 12 times during the same period.
The statement also painted a grim picture of the nation's current power situation, revealing that over 90 million Nigerians remain without access to steady electricity. Even under the much-criticized Band A–E tariff system, many urban dwellers only receive 4 to 6 hours of electricity daily. In rural areas, an estimated 50 million households continue to live off-grid, depending on generators, candles, and other unreliable sources of power.
“In 26 months, there has been no major power sector reform, no clear roadmap, and no sense of urgency,” the ADC lamented, accusing the Tinubu-led administration of failing to acknowledge or address the worsening energy poverty affecting millions across the nation.
To further underscore its criticism, the party recalled a campaign statement made by Tinubu, in which he boldly proclaimed, “If I don’t give you electricity, don’t vote for me.” In response, the ADC stated pointedly: “Well, Nigerians are listening. And come 2027, we intend to grant your wish.”
The viral statement has triggered widespread engagement on social media, with many Nigerians echoing the sentiments of disappointment and frustration. Civil society groups, energy analysts, and political commentators have also joined the conversation, demanding transparency, accountability, and tangible reforms in the power sector.
The criticism comes amid growing discontent with the president’s handling of various economic and infrastructure challenges, particularly in the energy sector. Tinubu had campaigned on promises of electricity modernisation, decentralisation, and increased capacity, but nearly halfway into his first term, stakeholders argue that no meaningful progress has been made.
SEE POST:
Good morning, Nigerians,
Today, we just want to take some time to remind President Tinubu that he promised Nigerians uninterrupted electricity within four years.
Yes, that’s right, Mr. President promised us 24/7 power. All by himself.
Yet today, the facts speak louder than… pic.twitter.com/LDxw5UeK9E
— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) July 20, 2025