Nigeria’s power supply continues to worsen; this is as the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, concentrates more on his political ambition.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that Adebayo Adelabu, who previously challenged incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2019 and 2023 polls, had, in 2025, announced his ambition, adding that “in 2027, God has shown that it’s our turn.”
However, there are allegations that Adelabu’s fixation on his 2027 governorship ambition is drawing scrutiny amid persistent problems in the country’s power sector under his watch.
Since entering office in August 2023, Adelabu has failed to turn around Nigeria’s Ministry of Power, which has faced a series of difficulties delivering dependable electricity.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that the installed power 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. Moreover, 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 three years, the national grid has repeatedly experienced more system breakdowns than ever before, demonstrating an increased fragility under the current administration. 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 as 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and businesses are still dependent on expensive generators due to supply disruptions caused by load shedding, outdated infrastructure, and worker disputes.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 towns across the nation have been thrown into utter darkness. The recent surge of petroleum is not helping matters, with families reportedly spending not less than 30,000 naira on a daily basis to power generators.
Analysts note that Adelabu is only aligning with expected policies. He is recognized for creating a revenue-focused structure for the industry, as he had a background in finance rather than engineering or energy. Richer neighborhoods 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 addition, 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 and 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, but that is left to be seen.
