Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu’s plans to run for Oyo State governor in 2027 is becoming more glaring but his ambition is drawing scrutiny amid persistent problems in the nation’s electricity sector.
Adelabu, who previously challenged Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019 and 2023, stated, towards the last year, that “in 2027, God has shown that it’s our turn”.
The ministry of power has had difficulty delivering dependable electricity since entering office in August 2023. The installed generation capacity of more than 13,000 megawatts in Nigeria is significantly greater than the actual amount of power supplied to residences and commercial buildings. Less than half of that capacity is reaching customers, according to recent data, and widespread load shedding and frequent blackouts are becoming commonplace. The primary causes of many power plants operating below capacity, according to industry analysts, are gas shortages, antiquated infrastructure, and ongoing financial limitations.
Over the previous five years, the national grid has repeatedly experienced system breakdowns, demonstrating its fragility. Large areas have been without electricity for hours or even days as a result of these outages, which have an impact on public services, companies, and homes. Although the government’s initiatives to boost tariffs for high-consuming consumers have increased money and decreased subsidies, many complain that bills have gone up while service is still unreliable.
Analysts have cited underperforming power plants, frequent system collapses, a lack of gas supply, and over 6 trillion in sector debt that restricts investment and operations are the main causes of Nigeria’s electricity problems. Despite increasing tariffs, individuals and businesses are still dependent on expensive generators due to supply disruptions caused by load shedding, outdated infrastructure, and worker disputes.
Recently, the power supply has been erratic as cities and town across the nation has been thrown into utter darkness. The recent surge of petroleum is not helping matters with families reportedly spending not less than #30,000 on a daily basis to power generators.
Analysts note that Adelabu is only aligining with expected policis. He is recognised with creating a revenue-focused structure for the industry as he had a background in finance rather than engineering or energy. Richer neighbourhoods are increasingly paying higher power rates while getting relatively better service thanks to policies like the Band A tariff structure. Even though they contribute to the total revenue pool, critics contend that common people in less developed places still face insufficient supplies.
In addtion, analysts say that Adelabu’s appointment to the Ministry of Power has been widely seen as a political reward rather than a choice based on experience because his banking background left him ill-equipped to handle the technical demands of running the sector, making the role a risky and challenging assignment. The Oyo-born politician, therefore, maintained at the time that he was appointed to reform the power sector and not to operate as an engineer or a technician.
Now, Adelabu is expected to resign his ministerial appointment soon if he proceeds with his bid for the Oyo governorship race according to speculations, according to 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. He joins the likes of Muhammad Pate (Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Yusuf Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha – all of whom are reportedly eying one elected position or the other in their respective states.
Ultimately, Adelabu’s record in the Ministry of Power puts doubt on his ability and competency as his prospective bid for governor of Oyo State garners notice.
