Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is expected to resign from his cabinet position in the coming days following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Adelabu’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, shortly after the meeting.
According to the statement, Adelabu used the meeting to present a detailed report of his performance and activities in the power sector over the last two and a half years. He highlighted major efforts made under his leadership to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and introduce reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the power supply chain.
A key part of the presentation was the unveiling of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), as well as the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for Nigeria’s power sector.
The minister explained that the NIEP is designed as a long-term roadmap to boost national energy security, expand electricity access, integrate renewable energy solutions, and build a more resilient electricity system. The Strategic Implementation Plan, he added, outlines clear actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to turn the policy into measurable results.
The statement noted that President Tinubu commended Adelabu for his work, particularly for laying what he described as a solid policy foundation for the future transformation of the power sector.
It further disclosed that Tinubu granted Adelabu his “consent and blessing” to pursue his political ambition of contesting for the Oyo State governorship seat 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 said.
Adelabu reportedly stated that the timing of his resignation reflects his desire to ensure continuity in key reforms and address ongoing challenges in the sector before leaving office. These challenges include recent drops in power generation linked to gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and unpaid obligations owed to gas suppliers.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and reaffirmed his commitment to national development and the advancement of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The minister’s planned resignation comes after weeks of speculation over his political future, particularly in relation to a presidential directive reportedly requiring cabinet members with ambitions for the 2027 elections to step down.
The rumours gained momentum in late March 2026 after a resignation letter allegedly linked to Adelabu circulated on social media. His media team later dismissed the document as fake and insisted he remained focused on addressing power sector challenges.
Speculation continued after a March 31 deadline reportedly issued for political appointees, as Adelabu remained in office while other politically interested officials were said to have stepped aside.
However, Tuesday’s meeting with the president appears to have confirmed that Adelabu did not abandon his governorship ambition but delayed his move to complete key policy frameworks, particularly the NIEP.
Adelabu is expected to re-enter the Oyo State governorship contest under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he is likely to face stiff competition from other aspirants.
His return to the race comes after previous attempts in 2019 and 2023. In 2019, he ran as the APC candidate but lost to Governor Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he defected to the Accord Party and contested the election, finishing third.
While Adelabu highlighted achievements such as reforms and policy initiatives, his tenure has also drawn criticism due to persistent power supply challenges, rising electricity tariffs, and repeated grid instability.
His resignation is expected to form part of a broader cabinet adjustment as the Federal Government moves to align with electoral processes ahead of party primaries.
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