Political maneuvering has begun around the Federal Ministry of Power as the current minister, Adebayo Adelabu, prepares to join the race for the governorship of Oyo State, raising expectations that he may soon vacate his cabinet position.
Sources familiar with developments ttold newsmen that several individuals have already begun lobbying for the ministerial seat, anticipating that Adelabu will step down in the coming weeks to pursue the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress.
The development comes as political stakeholders urge President Bola Tinubu to appoint a technocrat to replace Adelabu, arguing that the nation’s power sector requires expert leadership capable of addressing longstanding electricity challenges.
Under the provisions of the new Electoral Act 2026 and the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The timeline has intensified political activity among aspirants seeking party nominations ahead of upcoming elections.
Insiders close to Adelabu disclosed that his political ambition has long been clear. In a widely circulated video released in October 2025, the minister publicly declared his intention to contest the Oyo governorship seat once again.
Adelabu had previously challenged the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, in both the 2019 and 2023 elections but lost on both occasions.
“I have now paid my dues,” Adelabu said in the video while addressing supporters. “I contested against Seyi in 2019 and again in 2023 when he was the sitting governor. But in 2027, God has shown that it is our turn. It is Adelabu’s turn.”
When contacted on the likely timing of the minister’s resignation, his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, said there had been no directive from the presidency requiring cabinet members with political ambitions to step down.
“We need to await developments, as I am not sure the President has asked those with political ambitions to resign,” Tunji said.
