The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has pledged to provide between 11 and 15 kilowatts of solar power on every Nigerian roof within 11 months of assuming office if elected president in 2027.

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

He said his administration would establish solar-panel manufacturing plants across the country and train Nigerians to install and maintain solar energy systems.

“I promise that between 11 to 15 kilowatts of solar power will be put on every roof within 11 months,” he said.

Adebayo said he had previously advised government officials on electricity matters and had conducted a solar energy experiment in his hometown, where he claimed to have trained about 2,000 people.

He said he was capable of manufacturing solar panels and lithium batteries but currently sourced inverters from elsewhere because of technological limitations.

The SDP candidate proposed partnerships with countries including China, Turkey and India to establish solar manufacturing facilities and clusters in Nigeria, with Nigerians trained to operate and maintain the facilities.

According to him, the proposed solar clusters would provide electricity for essential household needs while generating employment opportunities.

He also proposed generating up to 32,000 megawatts from the solar clusters, while retaining the national grid as a backup system that could supply electricity to areas experiencing disruptions.

“National grid is a backup. In case a cluster fails, you will power from there,” Adebayo said.

Beyond electricity, the presidential candidate said his administration would pursue strategic government investment in critical sectors, including aviation and manufacturing.

He argued that government could support key industries through operating and maintenance agreements instead of leaving strategic sectors entirely in the hands of private operators.

On energy security, Adebayo said his administration would prioritise domestic crude oil refining and intensify efforts to curb oil theft, which he identified as a major challenge to electricity supply and economic development.

He claimed that as much as 900,000 barrels of crude oil were being stolen and argued that recovering the lost crude would increase domestic supply without requiring additional government spending.

Adebayo further said public investment in sectors such as electricity and education could serve a dual purpose by improving essential services while creating jobs and increasing household incomes.