A former minister; A Power Sector Reform Advocate; A professor at a University in the South, Others;’ what to know about four men and one woman whose names are on the card for consideration as Adelabu exits Tinubu’s cabinet next week
The jostle for the Minister of Power position has begun as Adebayo Adelabu prepares to resign and contest for the Oyo State governorship seat in 2027.
As Adelabu, who was recently caught up in a bickering with controversial Lagos pastor, Primate Ayodele over his ambition, sets his sights on the Oyo governorship, five political power brokers are positioning themselves or their candidates to take over his ministerial role.
It was gathered that five politicians have begun lobbying to get the slot for selves or a technocrat within their camps.
This reputable media group gathered that one of them who was a former governor in a southwest state and an ally of the president, is pushing for a former colleague who was once a minister of power.
Another who was a member of the Lagos power block at the Aso Rock told Platforms Africa that his circle favoured a technocrat from a university in the south, who has been at the fore front of power sector reforms.
The other three are cheiftains of APC – two male from the north and one female from South – who have the ears of the president.
While the three of them favoured technocrats from their different camps, the northern politicians want the president to pick a replacement for Adelabu from their region, while the female politician who has close ties with the president is advocating for priority to be given to a female technocrat.
“At least, four men abd a woman are on the card as we speak. The number may increase or reduce as we go into next week when Mr. Adelabu is expected to have exited the government,” he said.
Adelabu’s decision to run for governor is not surprising, given his previous attempts to capture the seat in 2019 and 2023. He has expressed confidence in his candidacy, stating that he has “paid his dues” and is now poised to take the reins.
The Oyo governorship election is expected to be highly competitive, with several candidates vying for the top spot. Adelabu’s announcement has thrown his hat into the ring, and he is likely to face stiff competition from other aspirants.
Some of the other potential candidates for the Oyo governorship include Senator Teslim Folarin, Remi Oseni, and Adebo Akande, among others. The election is still over a year away, but the jostling for position has already begun.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the power sector are urging the president to ensure that the new minister is someone who can hit the ground running. They argue that the power sector is too critical to be left in the hands of someone who is not familiar with its workings.
Adelabu’s resignation is expected to create a ripple effect in the power sector, and the appointment of a new minister will be closely watched by industry stakeholders.
The president has not announced a timeline for Adelabu’s resignation or the appointment of a new minister.
