As Elections Near, Darkness Tests Tinubu’s Record

As the 2026 general elections draw near, a renewed power crisis in Nigeria is putting President Bola Tinubu’s record on energy and infrastructure to the test. Power outages, particularly in urban areas, have become increasingly frequent, causing disruption to households, businesses, and the nation’s development. According to a report by THISDAYLIVE, the power outages have led to significant financial losses for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increased the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

The power crisis has been attributed to various factors, including inadequate investment in electricity infrastructure, vandalism of power facilities, and poor maintenance. However, Tinubu’s administration has been criticized for failing to address the issue effectively, despite promises to improve the country’s power supply during his campaign.

The power crisis is not only affecting businesses but also households, with many Nigerians relying on expensive and polluting generators for power. This has led to increased health risks and environmental degradation. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution from generators is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in Nigeria each year.

The power crisis also has broader implications for Nigeria’s national development. A reliable power supply is essential for economic growth, job creation, and social development. Without a solution to the power crisis, Nigeria’s development will be hindered, and the country will struggle to compete with other African economies.

Tinubu has promised to address the power crisis during his campaign, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to deliver on this promise. The elections are expected to take place in February 2027, and Tinubu will face stiff competition from opposition parties. The power crisis is likely to be a key issue in the upcoming elections, and Nigerians will be watching closely to see if Tinubu can deliver on his promises.