2027: Adelabu still nursing governorship ambition, set to quit as power minister

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is preparing to step down from his role after receiving approval from President Bola Tinubu to contest the governorship election in Oyo State.

According to a report by Very Nigerian, the move came after a meeting between the minister and the president on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the meeting, Adelabu gave a detailed account of his performance in the power sector over the last two and a half years.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, it was revealed that a key part of the discussion was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy along with its Strategic Implementation Plan.

The minister was said to have outlined milestones recorded under his leadership, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission capacity, and implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across the power sector value chain.

The statement disclosed that the minister would soon step down from office.

It read, “In view of this development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days.”

The timing of the anticipated resignation, according to the statement, reflects efforts to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms.

“The timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office. Notably, this includes efforts to stabilise the sector following recent declines in power generation due to gas supply constraints to power plants, ongoing pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers, as well as the need to secure the President’s approval for his intended resignation and gubernatorial aspiration in Oyo State,” Tunji said.

Recall that the president had earlier instructed all appointees who wanted to contest to resign on or before March 31.

The statement read that during the meeting with Tinubu, Adelabu presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship.

“During the meeting, the minister outlined key milestones recorded under his leadership, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission capacity, and implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across the power sector value chain,” it stated.

The statement further said that a central highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan as well as the Medium-Long Term Integrated Resource Plan for the Power Sector to guide succession and sustainability.

Explaining the policy framework, the statement noted, “The NIEP is a comprehensive policy framework designed to guide the sustainable development of Nigeria’s electricity sector. It provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient and efficient power sector.”

President Tinubu, according to the statement, commended the minister for his dedication and progress recorded in the 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 President also granted his consent and blessing for the minister to pursue his governorship ambition,” Tunji explained.

He added that the minister expressed appreciation to the president for his steadfast support and reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and overall national development

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