“They Gave Us Darkness” — Tinubu attacks past leaders over power sector failure

President Bola Tinubu has blamed Nigeria’s current economic and infrastructure challenges on what he described as years of poor planning and weak policy implementation by previous administrations.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Enugu State led by Governor Peter Mbah, Tinubu said Nigeria had repeatedly relied on short-term funding to execute long-term national projects.

According to him, this approach has hindered sustainable development across critical sectors, especially infrastructure financing.

“What has been the problem in the past is Nigeria trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding. We have not embarked upon serious long-term outlook for our country,” the President said.

Tinubu also expressed concern that some critics of his administration were former leaders who, according to him, failed to lay strong foundations when they had the opportunity.

He urged Governor Mbah and other political leaders to remain focused despite criticism, adding that he had developed resilience to political attacks and public criticism.

“Democracy will survive despite all the intimidation. Ignore it, as I would advise myself. Stay focused. When you are succeeding and they’re angry, leave them in their corner,” he said.

The President further faulted past decisions in the power sector, claiming that privatization efforts had failed to deliver reliable electricity to Nigerians.

“We had leaders who privatised electricity that is not working. They gave us darkness instead,” he added.

Tinubu, however, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as visible progress in Enugu State, particularly in security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He said these achievements reflect the impact of ongoing reforms.

“The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working, that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes, and that Nigeria is moving forward,” he said.

He assured the delegation that his administration would continue to support major infrastructure projects in the South-East, including the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line, power sector reforms, and other critical developments.

In his remarks, Governor Mbah expressed appreciation for federal support in Enugu State, citing projects such as the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, establishment of the South East Development Commission, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

He also pledged the support of Enugu State to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the relationship had earned the trust of the people.

“This relationship has earned our trust and support. On that basis, we will stand proudly with you on election day in January 2027,” Mbah said.

The meeting was attended by several political heavyweights including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, Jim Nwobodo, and other notable South-East leaders.

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