BREAKING: Power Minister Bayo Adelabu Resigns to Contest Oyo 2027 Governorship

Chief Adebayo Adelabu has formally stepped down as Minister of Power to pursue his ambition of becoming the next Governor of Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated March 26, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the federal cabinet. He highlighted his contributions to ongoing reforms in the power sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“My decision to resign is to enable me fully pursue my aspiration to contest for the office of Governor of Oyo State,” the letter stated.

NaijaChoice News understands that the move comes after months of political consultations in Oyo, where Adelabu has repeatedly declared that “it is my turn” to lead the state. The Ibadan-born technocrat, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and 2019 APC governorship candidate, is seen as a strong contender with solid grassroots backing and private sector experience.

Political watchers in the state say his exit from the Federal Executive Council will intensify permutations within the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 race. It is expected to trigger fresh alignments among party leaders, traditional rulers, and mobilisers as Adelabu moves to consolidate support before the primaries.

The development also throws the spotlight on the power ministry, which has faced criticism over persistent outages and unmet targets despite recent reforms. Adelabu had publicly apologised to Nigerians for the challenges in recent weeks.

Sources close to the presidency indicate that President Tinubu may name an interim or substantive replacement soon to ensure continuity in the critical sector. Observers note that stability remains key to sustaining gains in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution nationwide.

In Oyo State, the resignation is already generating buzz across political circles. Adelabu, who lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde in previous elections, is viewed as a major threat to the PDP’s hold on the state. His re-entry is likely to reshape the contest and force other APC aspirants to recalibrate their strategies.

Party insiders told NaijaChoice News that consultations have begun in earnest, with Adelabu reaching out to key blocs within the APC. As the political temperature rises in the Pacesetter State, all eyes remain on how he navigates the road to Agodi Government House.