My current job is my priority, Adelabu speaks on Oyo guber race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday did not say whether he was considering resignation or not amid growing speculation about his possible entry into the Oyo State governorship race.
Adelabu, who spoke during a question-and-answer session at a press briefing in Abuja, said his immediate focus remains on addressing the country’s electricity challenges, even as he left the door open on his political future.
“What matters to me most now is this job that I am doing as the Honourable Minister of Power. I am excelling on the job, and that is my priority for now, tackling foreseen, known and unforeseen challenges in the power sector,” he said.
The minister added, “Resolving the power supply challenges is my priority for now. We have between now and March 31, if I am interested, in the gubernatorial contest in Oyo State. It is all about service, either at the national level or at the subnational level.”
In a statement that further fuelled uncertainty, Adelabu said, “I will not say more than that. Whether I will be here or I will be leaving is a matter of time. I will get back to you.”
Adelabu’s comments come at a politically sensitive time, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu ordering all ministers, heads of agencies, and political appointees to resign if they intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
The directive, announced last Tuesday in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and safeguarding the integrity of the political process ahead of the polls.
The circular read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.
“The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Adding another layer of intrigue, a report by The PUNCH indicated that Tinubu has yet to publicly endorse Adelabu for the Oyo governorship race, with indications that the President may be backing the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, for Oyo State within the ruling party.
