The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is planning to resign after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, following the closed-door meeting held 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.
The president also gave his approval for Adelabu to pursue his gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
“In view of this development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days,” the statement added.
During the meeting, Adelabu presented a detailed report on his leadership in the power sector over the past two and a half years.
He highlighted key achievements, such as stabilizing electricity generation, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and implementing reforms to improve efficiency in the sector.
A major part of the discussion was the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), along with its Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) and the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector.
The NIEP outlines a long-term strategy for energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient system.
The SIP, meanwhile, provides an action plan with timelines and responsibilities to achieve these goals.
Adelabu emphasized that the timing of his resignation would allow for continued progress on reforms in the sector, particularly in stabilizing electricity supply, which has been affected by gas supply issues, pipeline repairs, and unpaid gas supplier debts.
He thanked President Tinubu for his support and reiterated his dedication to advancing Nigeria’s power sector and national development.
The resignation follows months of speculation about Adelabu’s political future, especially after a presidential directive that cabinet members with political aspirations for the 2027 elections should step down.
Rumors about his resignation started circulating in late March 2026 when a resignation letter appeared online, though his media aide dismissed it at the time.
After the March 31 deadline for political appointees to resign, there was speculation that Adelabu had given up his gubernatorial bid, as he remained in office while other ministers with political ambitions had stepped down.
However, the meeting with the president confirmed that Adelabu’s ambition was only temporarily delayed to allow him to finish key policy work, including the NIEP.
Adelabu is now expected to enter the Oyo State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he will face stiff competition.
He previously ran for governor in 2019 as the APC candidate but lost to Seyi Makinde.
In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he joined the Accord Party and finished third in the general election.
His resignation is seen as part of a broader transition within the Federal Executive Council, ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines and preparing for the upcoming party primaries.
Although his tenure saw progress in policy reforms and investments, it has also faced criticism due to ongoing issues with power supply, rising tariffs, and frequent grid instability.
KanyiDaily recalls that Adebayo Adelabu recently apologised to Nigerians over the ongoing poor electricity supply and frequent power outages across the country.
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