I’m interested in better Nigeria, Peter Obi clears air on running with el-Rufai
*Seeks electricity subsidy for less privileged Nigerians
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has said he is more interested in Nigeria’s success today than in the future.
This follows speculations on social media that he was looking to make former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, his running mate in the 2027 polls.
But Obi, while speaking with journalists in Gombe State shortly after donating a borehole to the ram market in Tike Pantami on Sunday, insisted he was not looking far ahead.
When asked about a possible collaboration with El-Rufai, he said: “Well, I’m more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow.
“We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through.
“My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life, and that’s my concern.”
Electricity subsidy
In a related development, Peter Obi had also stressed the need for the Federal Government to provide subsidies on electricity tariffs for less-privileged Nigerians.
Obi spoke on Sunday when he visited Bauchi State in North-East Nigeria where he inaugurated a borehole project in the Sabon Layi Community on the outskirt of Bauchi metropolis.
Obi argued that if there is an absolute necessity for an increase in tariffs, it should solely target individuals with the financial wherewithal, rather than burdening those who are already struggling.
Highlighting the importance of supporting small businesses and promoting economic growth, he further stressed the need for a concentrated effort to generate more power.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on April 3, 2024 raised electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily. Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification.
The increase will see the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66, a development that has been heavily criticised by many Nigerians, considering the immediacy of the tariff hike and the current hardship in the land.
