By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| National grid and Peter Obi |
UJA, Nigeria, Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has launched a scathing critique of the federal government following the first total collapse of the national electricity grid in 2026. Describing the event as a "national shame," Obi attributed the persistent blackout to a chronic failure of leadership and a lack of vision for the country’s critical infrastructure.
The national grid reportedly plummeted to 0 megawatts (MW) on Friday, plunging millions of households and businesses into darkness. This latest failure follows a turbulent 2025, where the grid experienced multiple disturbances, including a major collapse as recently as late December.
In a statement released on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed deep disappointment that Nigeria continues to struggle with basic power stability. He noted that the 2026 collapse is merely a continuation of a "disturbing trend" that has crippled the nation's productivity for years.
"This power crisis is a direct result of continuous leadership failures," Obi stated. "It is utterly disappointing that for three consecutive years.from 2023 to 2025 our nation has been ranked as having the least access to electricity globally, with nearly 100 million citizens left without power."
Obi drew sharp comparisons between Nigeria and other major African economies, highlighting a "stark disparity" in energy output despite Nigeria's status as the most populous nation on the continent.
According to data cited by the former Anambra State Governor, Nigeria’s current generation of approximately 5,000 MW for over 240 million people is "absurdly low" when compared to peers: Algeria has 48 Million population, generates 50,000+MW, South Africa 64 Million 40,000+
Egypt has 115 Million population generates 40,000+MW
Nigeria has 240 Million population, generates ~5,000 MW
"The disparity is clear," Obi added. "While others are scaling up to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy, Nigeria remains stuck in a cycle of collapse and darkness."
The Labour Party chieftain emphasized that the power sector requires "competent and empathetic leadership" to thrive. He argued that without a significant shift in governance and a dedicated commitment to infrastructure reform, the nation’s economic potential would remain stifled.