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Peter Obi Condemns Repeated National Grid Failures as a Leadership Crisis
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has openly criticised the Federal Government for the ongoing instability of Nigeria’s national electricity grid. He described the frequent power outages as a profound national disgrace and a clear indication of ineffective governance.
Latest Grid Collapse Sparks Renewed Outrage
Obi voiced his concerns in a statement posted on his X account following the most recent grid failure in January 2026. He highlighted that this incident signals the start of yet another year plagued by power disruptions, recalling that the first blackout of 2025 occurred in January and was succeeded by multiple collapses throughout the year.
Electricity Access in Nigeria: A Persistent National Challenge
“It is deeply troubling that for three consecutive years-from 2023 through 2025-Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest electricity access worldwide, leaving nearly 100 million people without reliable power,” Obi lamented. This ongoing crisis severely hampers economic growth and quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
Comparing Nigeria’s Power Generation to Other African Nations
Obi drew attention to the stark contrast between Nigeria’s electricity output and that of other African countries with smaller populations. For instance, South Africa, with approximately 64 million residents, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity. Similarly, Egypt, home to around 115 million people, produces more than 40,000 megawatts. Algeria, with a population near 48 million, surpasses both by generating over 50,000 megawatts.
In sharp contrast, Nigeria-the continent’s most populous nation with over 240 million citizens-manages to produce only about 5,000 megawatts. Obi described this figure as “shockingly inadequate,” emphasizing its detrimental impact on national productivity and development.
Leadership Failures at the Heart of the Power Crisis
Obi attributed the persistent electricity shortages to ongoing leadership deficiencies. He stressed that the power sector is a cornerstone of national progress and demands capable, dedicated management to ensure consistent and efficient service delivery.
Call for Competent and Compassionate Leadership Ahead of 2027 Elections
Looking forward to the 2027 general elections, Obi urged Nigerian voters to prioritize leaders who demonstrate both competence and empathy. He insisted that the country requires visionary individuals committed to implementing transformative changes in critical sectors like power generation.
“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, it is imperative that we elect leaders who possess the skills and compassion necessary to steer the nation towards sustainable development. Anything less would be a disservice to our people,” Obi concluded.
