THE Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from his position in the coming days following a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development was confirmed in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, after the closed-door meeting held on Tuesday.
According to the statement, President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded during his tenure, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of Nigeria’s power sector.
“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.
It further disclosed that the president 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 comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years, outlining key milestones achieved under his leadership.
These, he said, include efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and implement reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the entire 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 sector.
The Oyo-born minister explained that the NIEP provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy sources, and building a more resilient electricity system.
He noted that the Strategic Implementation Plan serves as the operational framework, detailing specific actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes.
Adelabu emphasised 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.
Among these challenges are efforts to stabilise electricity supply amid recent declines in generation caused by gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.
The minister also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support, reaffirming his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s power sector and contributing to national development.
His planned resignation follows weeks of speculation regarding his political future and compliance with a presidential directive requiring cabinet members with ambitions for the 2027 elections to step down.
Rumours of his exit first surfaced in late March 2026 when a purported resignation letter circulated widely on social media. At the time, his media aide dismissed the document as false, insisting that the minister remained focused on addressing challenges in the power sector.
Following the March 31 deadline reportedly set for political appointees, speculation intensified that Adelabu had shelved his governorship ambition, as he remained in office while some other ministers with political interests resigned.
However, Tuesday’s meeting with the president marked a turning point, confirming that his governorship ambition had not been abandoned but was temporarily delayed to allow him to conclude key policy frameworks, particularly the NIEP.
Adelabu is now expected to join the Oyo State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress, where he is likely to face stiff competition from other aspirants within the party.
His entry into the race comes amid a politically charged environment in Oyo State, following his previous governorship bids in 2019 and 2023.
In 2019, he contested as the candidate of the APC but lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he defected to the Accord Party, where he ran as its flagbearer and finished third in the general election.
His impending resignation is also seen as part of a broader administrative transition within the Federal Executive Council, as the government seeks to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and prepare for upcoming party primaries.
Despite highlighting achievements such as policy reforms and investment drives within the sector, Adelabu’s tenure has faced criticism over persistent power supply challenges, rising tariffs, and recurring grid instability.