Atiku tackles APC over Tinubu’s power pledge, says bonds can’t light homes
Atiku Abubakar Critiques APC Over President Tinubu’s Electricity Promises
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) for defending President Bola Tinubu’s pledges regarding electricity supply. Atiku asserts that mere announcements and policy documents will not provide Nigerians with the reliable power they need for their homes and businesses.
In a statement released on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC), Atiku highlighted the continued struggles of Nigerians with inconsistent electricity, rising tariffs, and the high costs associated with alternative power sources. He pointed out that these issues persist more than three years after Tinubu promised a steady supply of electricity and an end to estimated billing.
“The APC should spare Nigerians the spectacle of celebrating paperwork while homes and businesses remain in darkness,” Atiku said. “Families still struggle to keep their homes lit, and small business owners spend scarce resources on alternative power. Yet they find it difficult to sustain their operations. President Tinubu’s promise of reliable power has not materialized.”
Atiku also criticized the existing electricity tariff band system, stating that consumers are burdened with different rates that do not reflect improvements in service. He cited Band A tariffs, which can average around ₦209.50 per unit before Value Added Tax, emphasizing the financial strain on households across all bands.
He urged that no family should have to choose between electricity and food, nor should any business be forced to pay more while receiving less power.
Furthermore, Atiku sought clarity on the Federal Government’s plan to eliminate electricity subsidies by 2027 and questioned the implications this would have for consumer bills. He proposed collaborating with state governments and regulatory bodies to reform the current tariff system into a more equitable and affordable structure that would hold power companies accountable for their service delivery.
The former vice president dismissed the administration’s multitrillion-naira bond initiative aimed at settling legacy debts owed to generation companies, stressing that it should not be misconstrued as investment in new electricity infrastructure. According to Atiku, the current administration has not constructed any new power generation facilities, asserting, “Paying old debts is not the same as building new power infrastructure.”
Atiku also raised concerns regarding the application of VAT on electricity and the additional charges under the Nigeria Tax Act for fossil fuels, arguing that citizens facing rising energy costs deserve transparency about potential further financial burdens.
This response from Atiku came after APC-PCC spokesman Dele Alake defended the government’s electricity reforms. Alake referenced the Electricity Act of 2023 and a ₦4 trillion bond program as evidence of progress in the sector.
However, Atiku maintained that financial commitments and policy announcements cannot replace tangible improvements in electricity supply. He stated, “Signing a law is not electricity. Raising a bond is not electricity. Approving a project is not power delivered. Nigerians cannot cook, study, work, or sustain a business on announcements.”
He reminded the public of Tinubu’s campaign promise, declaring, “If I don’t give you constant electricity for four years, when I come back for a second term, don’t vote for me.” Atiku asserted that the time has come for Nigerians to expect accountability rather than explanations from the campaign council.
“They do not need his campaign council to interpret his words for them. They need him to answer for them,” Atiku concluded.
