…the power outage appears set to become a central campaign issue.
ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that the lingering power outage in Ebonyi State has taken a dramatic political turn, as residents of Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency warned politicians and aspirants from the zone to restore electricity or forget about seeking votes in the 2027 general election.
The warning was issued by a coalition of civil rights groups within the constituency, who expressed deep frustration over more than two decades of darkness in Afikpo Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The groups Afikpo Intelligentsia in the Diaspora (AID), RestoreAfikpoLight Campaigners Abroad, and Odinma Afikpo Group (OAG), directed their demands at political office holders from the area. Those named include the member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Iduma Igariwey; the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila; members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly; and other political aspirants eyeing future offices.
Coalition Reacts to Lawmaker’s Statement
The Afikpo power outage debate intensified following a recent statement credited to Chief Igariwey, in which he reportedly maintained that it is not the responsibility of lawmakers to fund electricity projects.
According to him, online criticisms over the prolonged blackout, particularly in his ancient Ehugbo community, stem from ignorance about the constitutional duties of legislators.
However, leaders of the coalition groups strongly disagreed.
Charles Otu, representing Odinma Afikpo Group; Olughu Franklin Nnamdi of Afikpo Intelligentsia in the Diaspora; and Collins Alum Eze of RestoreAfikpoLight Campaigners Abroad argued that the lawmaker possesses constitutional and legislative tools to influence action on electricity supply.
They cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electricity Act 2023, and the Electricity Act (Amendment) 2025 as frameworks that empower federal lawmakers to push for solutions, even if they are not directly responsible for funding projects.
Over 20 Years of Darkness
At the heart of the agitation is the prolonged power outage, which residents say has lasted for more than 20 years.
The coalition described the situation as unacceptable, particularly for a constituency they say is highly urban, with a significant population of educated elites and professionals.
They argued that the lawmaker ought to have moved a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the floor of the House of Representatives specifically addressing the electricity crisis in Afikpo.
The groups acknowledged that in 2020, Chief Igariwey facilitated an appearance before the House Committee on Power, summoning the leadership of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to a public hearing. At that hearing, he reportedly expressed the anger and frustration of his constituents over the prolonged blackout.
However, they expressed disappointment that nearly six years after that intervention, there has been no visible follow-up or measurable progress.
“Nearly six years after the 2020 summon of TCN, no words have ever come from the lawmaker regarding a follow-up on the darkness that has become a deeply growing concern among his constituents,” the coalition stated.
Demands for Legislative Action
The coalition further argued that since 2015, the lawmaker, popularly known as “Okpudo” should have inserted a specific line item for the Amasiri-Afikpo transmission line in the Appropriation Bill and followed up consistently until funds were released and utilized.
They also suggested that formal petitions could have been filed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), urging them to prioritize Afikpo in national electrification plans.
According to the groups, such steps fall squarely within the constitutional powers of representation, oversight, and appropriation, especially for a ranking lawmaker who has served about 12 unbroken years in the National Assembly.
“As a coalition, we rightly insist that after 12 years in the House, Afikpo deserves the full weight of legislative action not just appeals behind closed doors, but motions on record, committee hearings, and budget insertions that compel federal agencies to answer in public,” they said.
Political Implications for 2027
The power outage has now evolved from a developmental challenge into a defining political issue ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
The coalition accused the lawmaker of avoiding public forums convened by constituents to account for his stewardship, particularly on the pressing issue of electricity supply.
They warned that unless concrete steps are taken to restore power to Afikpo and Edda communities, politicians from the zone should not expect electoral support in 2027.
The iNews Times understands that electricity supply remains a critical determinant of economic growth, small business survival, and youth employment in the constituency. Residents say the prolonged blackout has crippled local enterprises, reduced investment opportunities, and worsened living conditions.
As political alignments begin to form ahead of the next general election, the power outage appears set to become a central campaign issue in Ebonyi State.
For now, constituents insist their demand is simple: restore electricity or face the consequences at the ballot box.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor reactions from the affected political office holders and provide verified updates as developments unfold.
