Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is preparing to exit his role in the Federal Government as he positions himself to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
According to reports, the planned resignation follows a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, during which Adelabu is said to have discussed his intention to join the race.
Although he declined to speak with journalists afterward, sources within government circles confirmed that the minister had formally informed the President of his ambition.
Indications suggest that his resignation could take place as early as today or before the end of the week.
The development comes weeks after political appointees were earlier directed to resign if they intended to seek elective office. While Adelabu did not meet that deadline, his recent engagement with the President appears to have paved the way for his next political move.
After departing the Presidential Villa, he was also reported to have held consultations with influential figures in the ruling party, including former Osun State governor Adebisi Akande and former NNPC board chairman Pius Akinyelure.
Adelabu has maintained a longstanding ambition to lead Oyo State, having contested the 2019 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress and later running again in 2023 on the platform of the Accord Party.
With the APC scheduling its governorship primary for May 23, 2026, and pegging the nomination fee at N50 million, the contest is beginning to gain momentum. The sale of nomination forms is expected to take place between April 25 and May 2.
Should he formally declare his candidacy after stepping down, Adelabu will join other aspirants within the party, including Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South, and Oyedele Alao, widely known as Allow Alao.
His anticipated entry into the race is expected to intensify competition within the party as preparations for the 2027 election continue to gather pace.
