Adelabu Shelves Oyo 2027 Governorship Bid, Stays as Power Minister

 

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has apparently abandoned his long-speculated ambition to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election after failing to resign his federal appointment by the March 30, 2026 deadline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political appointees eyeing elective offices.

According to reports, Adelabu, who had been consulting widely across Oyo State with the intention of running under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, did not submit his resignation letter or step down from the cabinet by the stipulated cutoff. This effectively means he will remain in his role as Minister of Power, continuing to discharge his duties in line with the president’s mandate.b1abbf

The development comes amid mixed signals in recent days. Earlier reports and social media buzz suggested Adelabu had tendered a resignation letter dated March 26, 2026, citing his desire to fully pursue the Oyo governorship and dedicate his time and resources to the race. Some outlets even claimed he had stepped down to focus on the ambition, noting his previous attempts at the Oyo governorship in 2019 and 2023.d330b2

However, the latest indication from Vanguard suggests the resignation was not acted upon or formally accepted in a way that allowed him to exit the cabinet by the deadline. A source close to the minister was quoted as confirming that he remains in office.555f4a

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor (Operations) at the Central Bank of Nigeria and a prominent APC figure in Oyo State, had been viewed as a strong contender for the party’s ticket. His potential bid had already sparked internal party discussions, with some reports indicating that APC stakeholders were considering alternative candidates, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli, due to concerns around electability and other factors.

By missing the resignation window, Adelabu appears to have prioritised (or been required to prioritise) his current ministerial responsibilities over immediate gubernatorial ambitions. The Power Ministry has been central to the Tinubu administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges, and Adelabu’s continued presence is expected to ensure stability in ongoing reforms.

As of Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026, there has been no official statement from the Presidency or the minister’s office confirming a change in status. Political observers note that the deadline was firm for appointees with clear elective intentions, and non-compliance typically signals a decision to remain in the current role.

This twist adds another layer to the early manoeuvrings ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State, where the APC is seeking to wrest power from the incumbent PDP governor, Seyi Makinde.