Political maneuvering has reportedly begun behind the scenes for the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Power as the current office holder, Adebayo Adelabu, prepares to pursue his ambition of becoming governor of Oyo State in the 2027 elections.
Sources within government circles suggest that several individuals have started positioning themselves for the strategic ministerial role, anticipating that Adelabu may soon step down from the cabinet. His expected resignation is linked to plans to contest the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development is tied to the electoral timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the Electoral Act 2026. According to the schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries and settle any disputes arising from them between April 23 and May 30, 2026. This timeline is believed to be influencing Adelabu’s preparations to exit the federal cabinet in order to fully focus on his gubernatorial bid.
Signs of Adelabu’s political intentions had surfaced earlier. During a stakeholders’ meeting involving participants in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry held in Lagos toward the end of last year, the minister hinted that his tenure in office might not last long. At the event, he remarked that he hoped to accomplish significant milestones in the power sector “before leaving office,” a statement that many observers interpreted as a signal of his political ambitions.
Further strengthening this perception was a video circulated in October 2025 in which Adelabu openly declared his intention to run for governor of Oyo State in 2027. In the announcement, he reflected on his previous attempts to secure the governorship, having lost to the current governor, Seyi Makinde, in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.
Speaking in the video, Adelabu expressed optimism about his chances in the next electoral cycle. He noted that he had paid his political dues after contesting twice and suggested that the upcoming election could finally present an opportunity for him to lead the state.
Despite the growing speculation, Adelabu’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, stated that there has been no formal instruction from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directing ministers with political ambitions to resign from their positions. Tunji emphasized that it would be necessary to wait for official guidance from the presidency before drawing conclusions about the minister’s next move.
Nevertheless, insiders say individuals interested in taking over the power ministry are already engaging in quiet lobbying efforts within the presidency, anticipating that Adelabu will eventually step aside to pursue his governorship campaign.
Meanwhile, experts and stakeholders within Nigeria’s electricity sector have begun discussing what qualities should define the next minister if the position becomes vacant. Many are urging President Tinubu to appoint a technocrat with deep knowledge of the industry rather than a purely political figure.
Power sector analyst Bode Fadipe argued that the next minister must have a strong grasp of the electricity value chain and focus on advancing national development rather than personal or political interests.
Similarly, Adetayo Adegbemle stressed that whoever assumes the role must possess a clear understanding of the structural challenges affecting Nigeria’s power sector. According to him, the appointee should already have demonstrated knowledge of the industry and a realistic plan for addressing its longstanding issues.
Adegbemle also cautioned against excessive political interference in the electricity industry, noting that reliable power supply is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation.
Adding his voice to the discussion, energy scholar Dayo Ayoade described the country’s power sector as being in a delicate state that requires capable and experienced leadership to stabilize and reform it.
As speculation continues about Adelabu’s possible departure, attention is increasingly turning to who might take charge of one of the most critical ministries responsible for driving Nigeria’s economic development.
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