Power Minister Adelabu Resigns for Oyo Governorship Bid

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has submitted his resignation to President Bola Tinubu, effective April 30, 2026. The Minister intends to pursue the governorship of Oyo State. This move aligns with recent administration directives requiring political appointees to vacate their offices by March 31, 2026, to comply with the Electoral Act 2026. His departure marks the end of a tenure defined by aggressive legislative reform and grid infrastructure efforts.

Adelabu leaves behind a sector still struggling with structural decay. He successfully oversaw the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which effectively decentralised the market. His team reported peak generation surpassing 6,000 megawatts, bolstered by the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant. Revenue collection also improved significantly, with market earnings climbing to N2.3 trillion by 2025. These figures provide a baseline for his successor to manage.

Despite these efforts, systemic hurdles remain. The Minister acknowledged that chronic gas shortages, rampant infrastructure vandalism, and incomplete commercialisation continue to stifle supply. His final act in office was a policy recommendation to create a Coordinating Minister for Energy. He believes this role is vital to bridge the gap between power, gas, and water sectors. Sustaining cost-reflective tariffs remains essential for his successor’s success.

Adelabu now turns his full focus to the Oyo political arena. He faces the challenge of reclaiming the state for the All Progressives Congress in 2027. His history of electoral bids in the state provides him with name recognition, though voters remain wary of past outcomes. He plans a seamless transition before his official exit at the end of the month. The search for a new head of the energy portfolio begins immediately.