Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, is expected to resign from his position in the coming days after a high-level meeting with Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, following the closed-door meeting held on Tuesday.
According to the statement, President Tinubu commended Adelabu for his dedication and contributions to Nigeria’s power sector during his tenure.
“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.
The president also reportedly 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 milestones such as 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 and its Strategic Implementation Plan, alongside the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for the sector.
Adelabu explained that the policy provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy and building a more resilient electricity system.
He noted that the Strategic Implementation Plan outlines specific actions, timelines and institutional responsibilities required to translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes.
The minister said the timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing critical challenges in the sector and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms before leaving office.
These challenges include stabilising electricity supply amid recent declines in generation linked to gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.
Adelabu also thanked the president for his support and reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and national development.
His planned exit follows weeks of speculation about 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 first surfaced in late March 2026 when a purported resignation letter circulated on social media. At the time, his media aide dismissed the document as false, insisting the minister remained focused on addressing the country’s power sector challenges.
Following the March 31 deadline reportedly set for political appointees, speculation grew that Adelabu had shelved his governorship ambition, as he remained in office while some ministers with political interests stepped down.
However, Tuesday’s meeting with the president confirmed that the ambition had only been delayed to allow him conclude key policy frameworks, particularly the National Integrated Electricity Policy.
Adelabu is expected to contest the governorship race in Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress, where he could face strong competition from other aspirants within the party.
His entry into the race comes amid a politically charged atmosphere in the state, following previous governorship bids in 2019 and 2023.
In 2019, he contested under the All Progressives Congress but lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde. In the 2023 election cycle, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, Adelabu defected to the Accord Party where he contested as its candidate and finished third in the general election.
His anticipated resignation is also seen as part of an administrative transition within the Federal Executive Council, as the government moves to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and prepare for upcoming party primaries.
Despite highlighting achievements such as policy reforms and investment initiatives, Adelabu’s tenure has faced criticism over persistent power supply challenges, rising tariffs and recurring national grid instability.
