Peter Obi Rules Out 24-Hour Electricity Promise, Explains Why

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has said he cannot realistically promise Nigerians uninterrupted 24-hour electricity within a single four-year term if elected president.

Obi made the remark during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, stressing that while improving electricity supply would be a top priority of his administration, delivering round-the-clock power nationwide within four years is not feasible.

According to the former Anambra State governor, building new power plants and expanding the country’s transmission infrastructure require years of planning and execution.

“I will not tell Nigerians that I can provide stable 24-hour electricity within four years because that would not be realistic. Constructing a power plant alone takes about four years, while upgrading transmission lines also requires significant time,” he said.

Obi argued that Nigeria’s electricity challenge extends beyond generation, noting that the country also struggles with transmitting and distributing the power it produces.

He expressed confidence that his administration could improve the sector by ensuring the country consistently generates, transmits and distributes at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity.

“We can generate more than 10,000 megawatts. In fact, we already have the capacity to generate that level of power, but we are unable to effectively transmit and distribute it. Our goal will be to ensure the entire value chain works efficiently,” he stated.

The NDC candidate also pledged to promote embedded power generation by replicating successful decentralised electricity projects across the country.

He cited Geometric Power in Aba as an example of a model that could be expanded to other industrial centres, including the Bompai and Sharada industrial clusters in Kano, to boost manufacturing and economic activities.

“We will encourage embedded power. What Geometric Power has achieved in Aba is a model that can be replicated in places like Kano to support industries and drive economic growth,” Obi said.

He further promised to improve transparency in the power sector and address the financial challenges affecting electricity generation companies.

According to him, the Federal Government must settle the outstanding debts owed to power generation companies to restore investor confidence and improve electricity supply.

“Today, the government owes generation companies trillions of naira. Those obligations must be cleared if we want the sector to function effectively,” he added.