News, Politics

Oyo 2027: Scramble Intensifies Over Adelabu’s Power Ministry Seat

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 5th, 2026.

Strong indications have emerged that political maneuvering is underway for the position of Minister of Power as Adebayo Adelabu prepares to pursue the Oyo State governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adelabu, who currently heads the power ministry, is expected to step down in the coming weeks to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC), in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The schedule for party primaries is set to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.

During a stakeholders’ engagement within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in Lagos late last year, Adelabu hinted at plans to accomplish certain goals before leaving office. Sources close to the minister later suggested that the remark reflected his intention to join the Oyo governorship contest.

In October 2025, Adelabu publicly declared his ambition in a widely circulated video, recalling his previous attempts against incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019 and 2023. He expressed confidence about his prospects in 2027, stating that the next electoral cycle would favour his camp.

When contacted about the timing of a possible resignation, his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, noted that the President had not directed cabinet members with political ambitions to vacate their positions. He added that developments would determine the next course of action.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that individuals interested in succeeding Adelabu have begun reaching out to the presidency, anticipating his eventual exit.

Stakeholders in the power sector have urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a technocrat should the vacancy arise. They argue that the ministry requires leadership grounded in technical expertise and a clear understanding of the industry’s challenges.

Power sector expert Bode Fadipe emphasized the need for a successor with in-depth knowledge of the industry and a national outlook rather than personal interests.

Similarly, Adetayo Adegbemle, Convener of PowerUp Nigeria, maintained that any replacement must demonstrate a firm grasp of the sector’s structural issues and reduce political interference in decision-making. He stressed that the power sector remains central to economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.

A professor of energy, Dayo Ayoade, also called for the appointment of a seasoned technocrat capable of addressing what he described as an ongoing crisis within the sector.

However, Adeola Samuel-Ilori, Coordinator of the Electricity Consumers Forum, offered a differing perspective. He suggested that the ministry could be overseen by the Permanent Secretary until after the election cycle, rather than appointing a new minister in the interim.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor (Operations) at the Central Bank of Nigeria, was appointed Minister of Power in 2023. His nomination generated mixed reactions, with some stakeholders questioning his technical background. He, however, maintained that his mandate was to reform the sector at a policy level.

Should he formally resign to pursue his gubernatorial ambition, attention will likely intensify over who takes charge of one of the country’s most critical ministries.