Nigeria’s political landscape may be heading for another major shift as indications grow that Adebayo Adelabu is preparing to step down from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet after reportedly securing approval to pursue the Oyo governorship race.
The development has stirred fresh attention to both the future of Oyo State politics and the implications of Adelabu’s possible exit from the federal government, at a time when Nigeria’s power sector remains under intense scrutiny.
According to details emerging from a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Adelabu is said to have briefed the President on his performance in the power sector over the past two and a half years, while also formally advancing his governorship ambition.
But this was not framed as a sudden political departure.
Rather, the move appears carefully timed.
A statement issued by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, suggested Adelabu wants to leave office only after consolidating key reforms and ensuring some continuity in the power sector, a notable point given recent challenges around electricity generation and gas supply disruptions.
Among the major items reportedly presented at the meeting were the National Integrated Electricity Policy and its Strategic Implementation Plan, a framework positioned as central to the ongoing reforms under his watch.
The minister was also said to have reviewed efforts to stabilise generation, improve transmission capacity, and push efficiency reforms across the sector.
That context matters.
His expected resignation is not just being seen as a political move, but as a transition tied to unfinished policy work and rising political ambition.
For observers, it signals the beginning of what could become one of the more closely watched governorship contests ahead of elections in Oyo State.
Adelabu is no stranger to that terrain.
Often referred to as “Penkelemesi,” he has long been considered a significant force in Oyo politics, and his return to the governorship race could reshape alignments in the state.
His reported decision to seek the President’s approval before stepping down also reinforces how sensitive cabinet exits tied to political ambition can be within the broader power structure of the administration.
There are also wider implications for Tinubu’s government.
Any cabinet departure, especially involving a strategic ministry like power, raises questions about succession, continuity and whether ongoing reforms can maintain momentum.
That is likely why the statement emphasised that his resignation would occur only after addressing critical sector concerns, including gas obligations, pipeline repairs, and generation instability.
In effect, Adelabu is trying to leave both politically prepared and administratively intact.
For now, no formal resignation has been announced, but the signals are difficult to ignore.
What is emerging looks less like speculation and more like the opening act of a governorship bid already gathering shape.
If he formally exits the cabinet, it could mark the start of a high-stakes political comeback in Oyo and another significant reshuffle moment for the Tinubu administration.
