Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to leave his position in the Federal Government as he prepares to contest the Oyo State governorship election in 2027.
CityNews reports that his planned exit follows a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, where he reportedly discussed his intention to join the race. Although he did not speak to journalists after the meeting, sources within government circles confirmed to Punch that he had informed the President of his ambition.
There are indications that his resignation could happen today or before the end of the week.
His move is coming weeks after a deadline was earlier given to political appointees to step down if they intend to run for office. Despite missing that deadline, his recent meeting with the President appears to have cleared the path for his next step.
After leaving the Villa, he was also said to have met with key figures within the ruling party, including former Osun State governor Adebisi Akande and former NNPC board chairman Pius Akinyelure.
Adelabu has long shown interest in governing Oyo State. He contested the election in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress and later ran in 2023 on the platform of the Accord Party.
With the APC fixing May 23, 2026 for its governorship primary and setting the nomination fee at N50 million, the race is beginning to take shape. The sale of forms is expected to run from April 25 to May 2.
If he formally declares his intention after resigning, Adelabu will join other aspirants in the party, including Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South, and Oyedele Alao, popularly known as Allow Alao.
His expected entry is likely to add more competition within the party as preparations for the 2027 election gather pace.
