2027: Adelabu set to resign over governorship bid, misses 6,000MW power target

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from office ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline for political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

 

President Bola Tinubu had directed all affected appointees to step down in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

 

Adelabu, who has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election, is among those expected to comply with the directive.

 

A senior source within the Ministry of Power confirmed that the minister is preparing to exit the cabinet.

 

“He is ready to bow out… his immediate goal is the Oyo governorship in 2027,” the source said.

 

His expected resignation comes amid concerns over the performance of the power sector, particularly his 6,000 megawatts electricity supply target, which has yet to be achieved.

 

Latest data shows that electricity supply from the national grid allocated to distribution companies stood at about 3,331MW as of Tuesday.

 

In recent months, Nigerians have continued to grapple with erratic power supply and frequent blackouts, with industry stakeholders citing gas shortages as a major constraint.

 

The Nigerian Integrated System Operator and distribution companies have said generation has fluctuated between 2,000MW and 3,900MW, far below national demand.

 

The situation worsened on Tuesday when power generation companies shut down several gas plants over unresolved legacy debts estimated at over ₦6.8 trillion.

 

Adelabu had earlier set a 6,000MW generation target, which was not met in 2025.

 

His departure is expected to leave his successor with the task of addressing longstanding structural challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.