Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is reportedly set to resign from the Federal Executive Council next week as he intensifies his ambition to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
A source close to the minister disclosed that Adelabu is still firmly in the race and has concluded plans to step down from his position in line with emerging political developments ahead of the polls.
The source, who spoke to this online medium on condition of anonymity, said the planned resignation is part of a broader strategy to enable the minister fully focus on his governorship bid under the All Progressives Congress.
It was gathered that the expected move is also linked to a directive by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which reportedly requires political appointees with aspirations for elective offices in 2027 to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
Recent reports indicate that several ministers and top government officials are considering stepping down in compliance with the directive as party primaries approach.
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and current minister since 2023, has long signalled his interest in the Oyo governorship race, having previously contested in 2019 and 2023.
This publication understands his anticipated resignation aligns with earlier indications that he may leave the cabinet to pursue his gubernatorial ambition, with stakeholders already positioning for a possible replacement at the Ministry of Power.
Although there has been no official confirmation from the minister or the Presidency regarding the exact timing of his resignation, insiders maintain that the move is imminent.
If confirmed, Adelabu’s exit is expected to reshape both the federal cabinet and the political landscape in Oyo State, where the race to succeed incumbent governor Seyi Makinde is gradually gaining momentum.
Oyomind.
