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By Godswill Michael
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from the Federal Executive Council after securing the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the Oyo State governorship race.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the sack of the Ministers of finance and housing.
Adelabu disclosed this following a meeting with the President on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he formally briefed Tinubu on developments in the power sector and his future political plans.
According to a statement on Wednesday issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, the minister presented a “comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years,” highlighting reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and overall sector efficiency.
“A central highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP),” the statement said, describing the framework as a long-term roadmap for energy security, expanded electricity access, and sector resilience.
The Presidency, in response, commended Adelabu’s performance in office. “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 added.
Crucially, the President also gave his approval for Adelabu’s political ambition. “The President also granted his consent and blessing for the Minister to pursue his governorship ambition,” Bolaji stated.
Following this development, Adelabu is expected to step down from his ministerial position in the coming days to focus on his bid to govern Oyo State. The statement noted that the timing of his resignation is intended to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms within the power sector.
“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, adding that the decision reflects “his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office.”
The minister’s exit comes amid lingering challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector, including recent declines in power generation linked to gas supply constraints, pipeline maintenance, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State in 2019, was appointed Minister of Power by Tinubu in 2023.
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Adelabu expressed appreciation to the President for his support. He said he remains dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s power sector even as he transitions to pursue elective office.
His anticipated resignation is expected to trigger a cabinet reshuffle as the administration prepares to fill the impending vacancy in the power ministry.