The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign his position after securing President Bola Tinubu’s consent to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The development followed a meeting between the minister and the president on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Adelabu presented a comprehensive briefing on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, on Tuesday, noted that a central highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan.

The minister was said to have outlined milestones recorded under his leadership, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission capacity, and implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across the power sector value chain.

The statement disclosed that the minister would soon step down from office.

It read, “In view of this development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days.”

The timing of the anticipated resignation, according to the statement, reflects efforts to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms.

“The timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office. Notably, this includes efforts to stabilise the sector following recent declines in power generation due to gas supply constraints to power plants, ongoing pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers, as well as the need to secure the President’s approval for his intended resignation and gubernatorial aspiration in Oyo State,” Tunji said.

Recall that the president had earlier instructed all appointees who wanted to contest to resign on or before March 31.

The statement read that during the meeting with Tinubu, Adelabu presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship.

“During the meeting, the minister outlined key milestones recorded under his leadership, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission capacity, and implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across the power sector value chain,” it stated.

The statement further said that a central highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan as well as the Medium-Long Term Integrated Resource Plan for the Power Sector to guide succession and sustainability.

Explaining the policy framework, the statement noted, “The NIEP is a comprehensive policy framework designed to guide the sustainable development of Nigeria’s electricity sector. It provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient and efficient power sector.”

President Tinubu, according to the statement, commended the minister for his dedication and progress recorded in the sector.

“President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector. The President also granted his consent and blessing for the minister to pursue his governorship ambition,” Tunji explained.

He added that the minister expressed appreciation to the president for his steadfast support and reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and overall national development.

A Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday ordered that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, pending a ruling on his bail application.

The trial judge, Darius Khobo, fixed the first week of June for ruling after listening to arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on the bail request.

With the development, the former governor may not participate in the activities leading to the presidential, governorship and National Assembly primaries of the African Democratic Congress.

By the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable, party primaries are to commence on April 23, 2026, and end by May 30, 2026.

The ADC has yet to fix a date for its presidential primary, as the David Mark-led faction and the Nafiu Bala-led faction battle at the Supreme Court over the party’s authentic leadership.

The apex court fixed today (Wednesday) for the hearing of an appeal arising from the leadership crisis in the ADC.

El-Rufai is standing trial on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, abuse of office, and corruption.

The anti-graft agency had earlier amended the charge, leaving the former governor as the sole defendant before the Kaduna State High Court.

A Federal High Court earlier granted the former governor N200m bail, with additional conditions.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, proceedings were dominated by arguments on the defendant’s application for bail.

Counsel for the ICPC opposed the application, arguing that granting bail could undermine ongoing investigations, alleging that the defendant might interfere with witnesses or evidence.

However, the court declined to deliver an immediate ruling, instead ordering that El-Rufai be remanded in ICPC custody pending its decision.

Reacting, counsel for the defendant, Ubong Akpan, faulted the court’s position, describing it as unjustified and suggestive of deeper concerns.

He argued that the refusal to grant bail appeared to be premised on the assumption that his client’s status as a former governor could enable him to tamper with investigations.

“The court, in its wisdom, decided that because Nasir El-Rufai is a former governor, he is going to interfere with the investigation. Therefore, he is not entitled to bail in an allegation of financial impropriety. We respectfully disagree,” he said.

Akpan stated that the defence team would review the ruling and take appropriate legal steps to challenge it.

“The next step is to take the legal steps required to challenge it. We will respond through the proper legal process. That is what the law requires,” he added.

The defence lawyer further maintained that the case had political undertones, but stressed that the team would remain guided by the rule of law.

“From the beginning, everything about Nasir El-Rufai’s travails has always been political. This is mainly the legal arm of it,” he said.

He also urged supporters of the former governor to remain calm and law-abiding.

“Don’t allow fear to take over. Don’t act as if something fatal has happened. Nobody has died.

“In a conflict, you have gains and setbacks. Sometimes things work against you, but you must not be frightened. Sit up. We are going to take this battle on, and we are going to win,” he said.

The matter was adjourned to the first week of June for ruling on the bail application and continuation of proceedings.

El-Rufai, who returned to the country from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026.

Following his arrival, he has been involved in multiple legal proceedings, including investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and subsequently the ICPC, and the Department of State Service.

As political tension continue to rise in Idanre Local Government Area following speculation around alleged consensus candidates towards the upcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elder statesman and Chairman of the Governors Advisory Council in Ondo State, Chief Pius Akinyelure, has called for calm, urging party faithful and stakeholders to refrain from action capable of disrupting the peace of the ancient town.

In a strongly worded but conciliatory message made available to the press, Akinyelure dismissed claims of any officially endorsed consensus candidates in Idanre at this stage, describing such reports as premature and capable of heating the polity in the local government and in Ondo State.

He noted that while internal democratic processes may generate disagreements, members must prioritize unity, discipline, and respect for party structures rather than resort to hostility or misinformation.

“Our attention has been drawn to growing tension fuelled by unverified claims of consensus arrangements. Let it be clearly stated that there is no basis for such assertions at the moment. Party members should disregard any narrative intended to mislead or create unnecessary division,” he said.

The respected APC chieftain cautioned political actors and their supporters against heating the polity, warning that desperation and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the long-standing reputation of Idanre as a bastion of progressive politics in Ondo State.

He emphasized that peace and reconciliation remain the most potent tools for sustaining the strength and electoral viability of the APC, particularly at a time when unity is crucial for consolidating the gains of the party at both state and national levels.

Akinyelure further urged aggrieved members to channel their concerns through established party mechanisms, stressing that dialogue and consultation are the hallmark of a mature political system.

“Political contests should not degenerate into conflict. We must remember that we are members of one family, bound by a shared vision. Violence, intimidation, or the spread of falsehoods will only weaken our collective strength,” he warned.

He also appealed to party leaders, youths, and grassroots mobilizers in Idanre to demonstrate restraint and responsibility, noting that the actions taken at this critical moment would determine the party’s electoral fortunes in Idanre in next year’s elections. He assured that available positions would be fairly distributed among qualified candidates.

Reaffirming Idanre’s historical role as a bastion of progressive ideology, Chief Akinyelure called on all stakeholders to close ranks and work towards reconciliation, adding that unity within the party would ultimately translate into electoral success next year.

Political observers in Idanre and Ondo State say this intervention by the apex leader is timely, coming amid heightened anxiety and speculation among party members. This latest intervention by the elder statesman is expected to help douse tension while reinforcing confidence in the party’s internal processes.