Fresh political pressure is mounting on Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, amid indications he may resign to pursue the Oyo State governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reports indicate that two senior figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, have advised Adelabu to abandon his governorship ambition and align with broader party interests.
The intervention follows growing speculation that the minister has concluded plans to step down from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest the Oyo governorship election.
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Sources within the party suggest a resignation could occur within the week, although no official confirmation has been issued. Adelabu, a former governorship candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, has maintained strong interest in returning to the race in 2027.
However, internal party dynamics appear to be shifting, with indications that he may not be the preferred candidate among influential APC stakeholders.
At a recent political gathering in Ibadan, support coalesced around other aspirants, notably Senator Sharafadeen Alli, highlighting emerging divisions within the party’s Oyo structure.
Adelabu and other notable figures were absent from the event, further reinforcing uncertainty around his political positioning. The development is also tied to an earlier directive by President Tinubu mandating all political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign by March 31, 2026.
Adelabu did not meet that deadline, fueling ongoing speculation about his next move and compliance with party expectations.
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Sources familiar with a recent meeting of APC South-West leaders in Lagos disclosed that Adelabu was urged to prioritize party unity and support Tinubu’s potential 2027 re-election bid over pursuing a potentially divisive governorship ambition.
Despite the pressure, close associates insist the minister remains within the APC and has not publicly withdrawn from the race, leaving his political future unresolved.
Source: NaijaNews
