Bayo Adelabu to resign as power minister

By Damilare Adeleye

As politics is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the minister of power, Bayo Adelabu, is set to resign his appointment in the coming days in order to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo state.

His special adviser on strategic communications and media relations to the minister, Tunji Bolaji, confirmed this development in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.

He disclosed said Adelabu informed President Bola Tinubu of his impending resignation during a meeting between the two of them on Tuesday.

Bolaji added the president offers the power minister his blessings toward Adelabu’s governorship ambition.

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

“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.”

During his meeting with Tinubu, Adelabu presented his scorecard and presented the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), as well as the Medium-Long Term Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector to guide succession and sustainability.

“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.

“The President also granted his consent and blessing for the Minister to pursue his governorship ambition.

“The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the President for his steadfast support and reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and overall national development.”

Adelabu, a former deputy governor of operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was appointed minister of power by Tinubu on August 16, 2023.

He assumed office after the inauguration of the cabinet on August 21, 2023.