Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is expected to resign from his position in the coming days following a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, after a closed-door meeting between both officials.
During the meeting, Adelabu presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years. He highlighted key achievements of his tenure, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and implement reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the power sector value chain.
A central aspect of the presentation was the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), alongside its Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) and the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan. According to the minister, the NIEP provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient power system.
He explained that the SIP serves as the operational framework for the policy, outlining specific actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes.
The statement noted that President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in establishing a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector. The President also granted Adelabu approval 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 said.
Adelabu indicated that the timing of his resignation reflects his commitment to addressing critical challenges in the sector and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms before leaving office. These include efforts to stabilise electricity supply amid recent declines in generation linked to gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.
He also expressed appreciation to the President for his support, reaffirming his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and broader national development.
The anticipated resignation follows weeks of speculation regarding Adelabu’s political future and adherence to a presidential directive requiring cabinet members with ambitions for the 2027 elections to step down.
Speculation intensified in late March 2026 after a purported resignation letter circulated on social media, though it was dismissed at the time by his media aide as false. Further uncertainty arose following a reported March 31 deadline for political appointees, as Adelabu remained in office while some of his colleagues with political aspirations stepped aside.
However, Tuesday’s meeting appears to have clarified his intentions, confirming that his governorship ambition had been delayed rather than abandoned to allow for the completion of key policy frameworks, particularly the NIEP.
Adelabu is expected to contest the Oyo State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he is likely to face strong competition from other aspirants. He previously contested the governorship election in 2019 as the APC candidate but lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary, he ran under the Accord Party and finished third.
His resignation is also viewed as part of a broader administrative transition within the Federal Executive Council, as the government moves to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines ahead of party primaries.
Despite citing policy reforms and investment initiatives as key achievements, Adelabu’s tenure has drawn criticism over persistent challenges in the power sector, including unreliable electricity supply, rising tariffs, and recurring grid instability.
