Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu over what he described as failed campaign promises, especially on electricity.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi reminded Nigerians of when Tinubu said they should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to provide steady electricity.

Obi said that thirty two months after taking office, instead of living by his powerful words, Tinubu has now abandoned the national grid, which has been performing abysmally under his watch.

According to him, Nigerians do not expect 100 percent fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100 percent effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist.

The former Anambra State governor added that leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles.

The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, further stated that it is gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. He added that one would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately citizens, can benefit.

He lamented that if those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?

“Those were the powerful words then that inspired hope among Nigerians who longed for light in their homes, stability for their businesses, and growth for their nation.

“Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled categorical electoral promise, and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any, we read of a provision in the 2025 budget of about ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in the 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance. Now we are being sarcastically told that the Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.

“Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future.

“However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed. You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” he wrote

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.

The governor announced the approval on Monday in Abeokuta during a ceremony held in honour of the medalists, noting that the state finished second overall with 239 medals — its best outing in the history of the festival.

In a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.

He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed to athletes and officials had been fully settled.

Abiodun added that “the immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony”

The governor also announced what he described as “a historic reward package for medalists: ₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists, ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists”.

He said additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.

He said, “The gesture is aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across the state to embrace sports as a viable career path.”

Abiodun reportedly further approved “special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply”.

He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.

The governor highlighted what he called the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing the hosting of international competitions, improved infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.

He appreciated sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.

Looking ahead to the next festival in Enugu, Abiodun urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.

He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.

The latest approval comes months after some athletes who represented the state at the festival staged a protest during the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, alleging non-payment of earlier promised rewards.

The athletes, who gathered at the arcade ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said the government had failed to fulfil its pledge eight months after the competition.

One of them, a wrestler, Kehinde Paul, had appealed to the governor to redeem the promise, saying many of the athletes depended on the incentives for their livelihoods.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured the people of Benue State that the Command remains fully mobilized, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism and all forms of violent crime across the state.