ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has promised to install between 11 and 15 kilowatts of solar power on every Nigerian roof within 11 months if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Adebayo made the pledge on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he outlined his proposed approach to tackling Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges.

The SDP candidate argued that Nigeria should reduce its dependence on the national electricity grid and embrace decentralised power generation, particularly through rooftop solar systems.

NNPC Denies Ownership of Truck Seized With 2,145kg Cannabis in Ondo

Adebayo: Stop Overbuilding Power Grid

Adebayo criticised what he described as excessive reliance on conventional electricity infrastructure, particularly the continued expansion of transmission and distribution lines to rural communities.

He argued that rooftop solar could provide a faster and more cost-effective means of delivering electricity to Nigerians without waiting for the expansion of the national grid.

According to him, the country should focus on producing solar panels locally while developing the manpower required to install, operate and maintain the systems.

The presidential candidate said such an approach would not only improve electricity supply but also create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

‘I Made Similar Proposal in 2001’

Adebayo recalled that he had proposed a similar solar-energy strategy during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2001.

“In 2001, the Obasanjo administration invited me, and I advised them to enter into an agreement with China or India, set up a factory to make solar panels, and train people to install them,” he said.

He maintained that Nigeria had an opportunity to develop a domestic solar manufacturing industry while simultaneously training thousands of young Nigerians in solar installation and maintenance.

Candidate Targets Rural Electricity Challenge

Adebayo also questioned the continued use of expensive 33kV lines as a major component of rural electrification, arguing that decentralised solar systems could offer a more practical alternative in many communities.

He said the proposed solar programme could be financed using resources already available at the local government level.

“Every Local Government Area has money that they steal every month to capitalise on this,” Adebayo said.

The SDP candidate argued that redirecting such resources into a structured solar-energy programme could help provide electricity to households while reducing dependence on the national grid.

Plan to Create Jobs Through Solar

Adebayo said the proposed shift towards rooftop solar would also create a new economic ecosystem involving local manufacturing, installation, maintenance and technical services.

He maintained that producing solar equipment locally and training Nigerians to handle installation and maintenance would ensure that the programme generates employment rather than simply creating another avenue for importing equipment.

The proposal forms part of Adebayo’s broader campaign agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political parties and candidates intensify discussions around solutions to Nigeria’s electricity and economic challenges.