The year is 2043.
Mike sits in his living room, watching the presidential debate on his solar-powered TV because NEPA/PHCN still hasn’t figured it out.
Candidate A grabs the mic:
“If elected, I will solve the power problem once and for all!”
The crowd erupts.
Mike’s 80-year-old father laughs from his rocking chair.
“I heard that same speech in 1999. And my father heard it in 1979.”
Candidate B steps up:
“Security and stable electricity will be my number one priority!”
More applause.
Mike’s daughter, only 10, turns to him and asks:
“Daddy, have we never had light before?”
He looks at her. Then at his father. Three generations in one room. Same Nigeria. Same promises. Same darkness.
“No, my dear,” his father answers. “Not since independence in 1960.”
79 years.
Different candidates. Different parties. Different slogans.
Same script.
Mike picks up the remote and turns off the TV.
At least the solar panel works.