The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have called for the immediate resignation of Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, citing incompetence and failure to resolve Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by James Ezema, CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, CNCSOs’ National Secretary, the groups described Minister Adelabu as “a round peg in a square hole,” arguing that he lacks the capacity to manage the nation’s power sector effectively.
They pointed to the worsening electricity supply, noting that over 40% of Nigerians remain without access to power, while those connected to the national grid endure erratic electricity ranging between 2,000MW and 4,000MW—figures that have stagnated since the 1980s.
The coalition highlighted the economic consequences of the power crisis, including business closures, job losses, and slowed economic growth.
It also accused the Minister of failing to leverage the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, which enables decentralized electricity provision through public-private partnerships.
“His inability to attract local and international investment has worsened Nigeria’s electricity challenges and undermined economic recovery,” the statement read.
The demand for his resignation follows a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealing three total grid collapses and two partial collapses in the last quarter of 2024. In total, Nigeria suffered 12 grid collapses throughout the year.
Despite these failures, the statement noted that Nigerians paid a record N509.84 billion to electricity distribution companies in the last quarter of 2024, up from N466.69 billion in the previous quarter.
The CNPP and CNCSOs also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reassign Minister Adelabu within seven days, questioning his qualifications for the power sector.
They emphasized that his background is in finance, hospitality, entertainment, agriculture, and real estate—not energy management.
“His appointment appears to be a case of political patronage rather than merit, and his performance has validated our concerns,” the groups stated.
Beyond the power sector, the coalition also criticized the Tinubu administration’s broader economic policies, arguing that they have contributed to increased hardship and public dissatisfaction.
While acknowledging the President’s commitment to national development, the groups warned that unqualified appointees could derail his efforts and erode public trust.
“The power sector is too vital to Nigeria’s progress to be left in the hands of individuals without the necessary expertise and vision.
Minister Adelabu must resign or be reassigned immediately to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens,” the statement concluded.
The coalition pledged to continue monitoring government ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure they act in the best interests of Nigerians.
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