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The minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from his position in the coming days following a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, after the closed-door meeting held on Tuesday.

“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 statement read.

It added that the president granted Adelabu his “consent and blessing” to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

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

At the meeting on Tuesday, Adelabu presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.
He outlined key milestones recorded during his tenure, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and implement reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the power sector value chain.

A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), alongside its Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), as well as the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector.

The Oyo-born minister explained that the NIEP provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient electricity system.

The SIP, on the other hand, serves as the operational framework detailing specific actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes.

The minister noted that the timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing critical challenges in the sector and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms before exiting office.

These include efforts to stabilise electricity supply amid recent declines in generation caused by gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.

Adelabu also expressed appreciation to the president for his support, reaffirming his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and national development.

His planned exit follows weeks of speculation surrounding his political future and compliance with a presidential directive requiring cabinet members with political ambitions for the 2027 elections to resign.
Rumours of his resignation first gained traction around late March 2026, when a purported resignation letter circulated widely on social media.

At the time, his media aide dismissed the document as false, insisting that the minister remained focused on addressing challenges in the power sector.
Following the March 31 deadline reportedly set for political appointees, speculation intensified that Adelabu had shelved his governorship ambition, as he remained in office while some other ministers with political interests stepped down.
However, Tuesday’s meeting with the president marked a turning point, confirming that his ambition had not been abandoned but temporarily delayed to allow him to conclude key policy frameworks, particularly the NIEP.

Adelabu is expected to join the Oyo State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he will face strong competition from other aspirants within the party.

His entry comes amid a politically charged environment in the state, following his previous governorship bids in 2019 and 2023.
He ran in 2019 as the candidate for the APC. Despite strong backing, he lost to Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he defected to the Accord Party to run as their flagbearer. He finished third in the general election.

His resignation is also seen as part of an administrative transition within the Federal Executive Council, as the government moves to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and prepare for upcoming party primaries.

Despite highlighting achievements such as policy reforms and investment drives within the sector, his tenure has faced criticism over power supply challenges, rising tariffs, and recurring grid instability.

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. NDLEA boss explains why govt introduced drug integrity test for students

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has expressed full support for ongoing efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to rid Nigeria of the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The students’ union leaders led by their National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, made the commitment on Tuesday 21st April 2026 when they paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja where they equally reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election in 2027.
During the visit, Oladoja commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the Agency’s relentless successes against drug cartels. He specifically lauded his commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian students through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, which has been instrumental in raising awareness across tertiary institutions.
Reaffirming the association’s support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Oladoja stated that the students’ backing of the current administration is rooted in tangible pro-youth achievements. These, he noted, include the successful implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment schemes.

In his response, Marwa expressed his long-standing pride in the Nigerian student body, noting that his relationship with them has remained strong due to their consistent support across his various national assignments.
According to him, “As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart.”
Addressing the specific challenge of drug prevalence in schools, the NDLEA boss emphasized the need for a collaborative front to sanitize the academic environment. “We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as the society at large,” Marwa added.
Speaking on the recently introduced Federal Government Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is strictly protective rather than punitive. He stated that the policy is designed in the best interest of the youth, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation far more effective.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment to deepen the partnership between NDLEA and NANS in the ongoing crusade against substance abuse on Nigerian campuses.

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Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Dutse, Jigawa State.

They are demanding that INEC formally recognise the party’s national leadership led by David Mark.

The protest comes amid growing political tension in the state, as internal party disputes and defections intensify ahead of party primaries and the next general elections.

According to reports, the protesters marched to the INEC office in the state capital without incident and submitted a petition to the commission.

Speaking after the protest, the Jigawa ADC Youth Leader, Manniru Aminu, accused INEC of overstepping its authority and said the commission cannot determine legal disputes involving court rulings.

“INEC does not have the constitutional power to interpret court rulings. That responsibility lies with the judiciary,” he said.

The group also claimed that INEC is not acting neutrally in handling internal party issues, which they described as a threat to democratic fairness.

They insisted that the leadership of the ADC under David Mark remains the only legitimate and constitutionally recognised structure of the party.

The protesters demanded that INEC immediately restore the Mark-led leadership on its official records and website.

They also called for a public apology from the commission and urged that those responsible for the alleged bias be held accountable.