The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from his position in the coming days after a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Tunji Bolaji, after the closed-door meeting on Tuesday.
“President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector,” the statement read, adding that the President granted Mr Adelabu his “consent and blessing” to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State for 2027.
“In view of this development, Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days,” the statement added.
At the meeting on Tuesday, Mr Adelabu presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.
He outlined key milestones recorded during his tenure, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and implement reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the power sector value chain.
A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), alongside its Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), as well as the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector.
The minister, who’s an Oyo native, explained that the NIEP provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient electricity system.
The SIP, on the other hand, serves as the operational framework detailing specific actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes.
The minister noted that the timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing critical challenges in the sector and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms before exiting office.
These include efforts to stabilise electricity supply amid recent declines in generation caused by gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.
Mr Adelabu also expressed appreciation to the president for his support, reaffirming his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and national development.
His planned exit follows weeks of speculation surrounding his political future and compliance with a presidential directive requiring cabinet members with political ambitions for the 2027 elections to resign.
Rumours of his resignation spread around late March 2026, when a purported resignation letter circulated widely on social media. However, his camp denied the rumours.
Following the March 31 deadline reportedly set for political appointees, speculation intensified that Mr Adelabu had halted his governorship ambition, but he debunked the claim.
With the latest development, Mr Adelabu is expected to join the Oyo State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he will face strong competition from other aspirants within the party.
He had attempted governorship bids in 2019 and 2023.
He ran in 2019 as the candidate for the APC. Despite strong backing, he lost to Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he defected to the Accord Party to run as their flag bearer. He finished third in the general election.