Dare Babalola
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from office in the coming days following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Adelabu’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, after Tuesday’s meeting.
“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 said.
It added that the president had granted Adelabu his “consent and blessing” to pursue his governorship 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 account of his stewardship over the past two and a half years, outlining efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and implement reforms across the power sector value chain.
A key highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), alongside its Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) and a Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan aimed at improving energy security and expanding electricity access.
The minister explained that the NIEP provides a roadmap for long-term sector development, including renewable energy integration and the creation of a more resilient power system, while the SIP outlines specific actions and timelines for implementation.
Adelabu noted that the timing of his planned exit reflects a desire to address pressing challenges in the sector and ensure continuity in ongoing reforms before leaving office.
These challenges include recent declines in electricity generation linked to gas supply constraints, pipeline maintenance, and outstanding payments to gas suppliers.
He also expressed appreciation to the president for his support, reaffirming his commitment to the development of Nigeria’s power sector.
His expected resignation follows weeks of speculation over his political future, particularly in relation to a presidential directive requiring cabinet members with ambitions for the 2027 elections to step down.
Although rumours of his resignation surfaced in late March—when a purported resignation letter circulated online and was dismissed by his media aide—Tuesday’s meeting appears to have confirmed his intention to exit the cabinet.
Adelabu is expected to contest the Oyo State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for another bid after previous attempts in 2019 and 2023.
In 2019, he ran as the APC candidate but lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after failing to secure the APC ticket, he contested under the Accord Party and finished third.
His planned departure is also seen as part of broader efforts by the administration to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines ahead of party primaries.
Despite recording policy milestones and reforms, Adelabu’s tenure has faced criticism over persistent power supply challenges, tariff increases, and recurring grid instability.
