Adelabu Shifts Focus from the Grid to the Ballot

Nigeria’s quest for a 6,000-megawatt (MW) power milestone has hit another snag, but this time it isn’t a collapsed grid—it’s a political exit. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign by the March 31, 2026 deadline, choosing a run for the Oyo State governorship over the completion of his ambitious energy roadmap.

The resignation comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive requiring all political appointees with 2027 electoral ambitions to step down. While the move aligns with the new Electoral Act, it leaves the Ministry of Power at a crossroads during a period of intense instability

Despite bold declarations of hitting 6,000MW, the reality on the ground remains starkly different. As of this Tuesday, the national grid allocated just 3,331 MW to distribution companies (Discos)—barely over half of the Minister’s self-imposed target.

With Adelabu’s eyes firmly set on the Oyo State Government House, the focus now shifts to who President Tinubu will appoint to inherit this “hot seat.” Insiders suggest the lobbying has already begun, but experts warn that the next Minister will inherit a sector in deep crisis.

“He is ready to bow out; his immediate goal is the Oyo Governorship 2027,” a Ministry source confirmed.

While Adelabu prepares his handover notes, the 200 million Nigerians waiting for stable electricity are left wondering if the 6,000MW target will be pursued by his successor or simply recalibrated yet again.