Tinubu never promised to abandon re-election bid over power supply — Onanuga

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu pledged not to seek a second term if he failed to improve electricity supply in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Onanuga said the President’s 2022 campaign remarks had “been taken out of context”. 

According to him, Tinubu’s statement on electricity was conditional and not a firm commitment to forgo re-election.

Mr Onanuga explained that Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to reforming the power sector since assuming office, citing the signing of the Electricity Act, which allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently.

He also mentioned government efforts to tackle estimated billing through increased meter distribution and other interventions aimed at improving service delivery.

While admitting that electricity supply has not yet reached the level envisioned by the administration, Onanuga attributed the challenges to longstanding issues such as gas shortages, legacy debts owed to gas suppliers, and an outdated transmission infrastructure.

He maintained that the Federal Government remains focused on addressing these challenges and improving power generation and distribution across the country.