Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is on the verge of stepping down from his cabinet role as he prepares to pursue his long-anticipated governorship ambition in Oyo State.
Multiple sources within the Presidency confirmed that Adelabu is expected to tender his resignation imminently—either within the day or before the week runs out—despite missing the earlier March 31 deadline set for political appointees.
The minister reportedly met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, where he formally disclosed his intention to contest the Oyo governorship election. Although he declined to address journalists after the meeting, insiders revealed that the discussion was crucial to securing presidential backing.
A close associate disclosed that Adelabu not only informed the President of his political plans but also briefed him on his stewardship over the past two and a half years. According to the source, the minister has received the President’s blessing to proceed with his ambition.
Following his meeting with Tinubu, Adelabu was said to have consulted key figures within the ruling party, including former Osun State governor, Adebisi Akande, and former NNPC chairman, Pius Akinyelure, signaling intensified political consultations ahead of his expected declaration.
Adelabu, who previously contested the Oyo governorship under different platforms in 2019 and 2023, has consistently expressed interest in returning to the race—this time under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC has already fixed May 23, 2026, for its governorship primaries, with nomination forms priced at N50 million. The sale of forms is scheduled to run between April 25 and May 2.
If Adelabu formally declares his candidacy, he will join other aspirants in the race, including Senator Sarafadeen Alli and party chieftain Oyedele Alao, popularly known as Allow Alao.
With political momentum building, Adelabu’s expected resignation could mark a significant turning point in Oyo State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.