With the anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming cabinet reshuffle, there is growing pressure for changes in key government positions. Many Nigerians are eager to see a shift in leadership, particularly in ministries that have struggled to meet public expectations. One of the most vocal critics calling for a specific change is social commentator Martins Otse, widely known by his online alias, VeryDarkMan (VDM). His primary target: the removal of the current Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
In a video posted to his Facebook page, VDM expressed frustration with how Nigeria’s electricity is managed under the leadership of Minister Adelabu. He specifically criticized the method used to allocate power supply across the country, which divides consumers into different groups or “bands.” This system, commonly referred to as Band A, Band B, and Band C, determines how much electricity a region or household receives daily. Band A areas are provided with up to 20 hours of electricity, while those in Band C receive significantly less, sometimes enduring long power outages that can last for hours or even days.
VDM called this distribution system deeply unfair, questioning why some areas in the country receive an abundance of electricity while others struggle with shortages. “It does not make sense,” he said in the video, noting that such inequality in power access is a sign of poor leadership. According to VDM, this inconsistency affects not only businesses and industries but also the everyday lives of Nigerians, many of whom depend on reliable electricity to sustain their livelihoods.
Nigeria’s electricity sector has been a source of national frustration for years. Despite efforts by various administrations to reform the sector, problems such as inconsistent supply, power outages, and an unreliable grid persist. The introduction of the “band” system was meant to provide a structured approach to power distribution, but critics argue that it has only deepened the divide between those who have steady power and those who do not.
VDM highlighted this in his comments, expressing concern that power inequality is growing under Adelabu’s watch. He questioned why, in a nation as large and resource-rich as Nigeria, such disparities in basic infrastructure continue to exist. “We need a Minister of Power who understands the urgency of this problem and can deliver real solutions,” VDM urged.
The call for Adelabu’s removal comes at a time when speculation about the president’s cabinet reshuffle is at its peak. On Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the reshuffle is imminent. According to Onanuga, certain ministers are expected to be removed, while others may be reassigned to new roles. The aim is to inject fresh energy into Tinubu’s administration as it tackles the challenges of governing Africa’s most populous nation.
While the reshuffle has been eagerly awaited, VDM’s public plea adds pressure to make meaningful changes in critical sectors such as power. He made it clear that while he supports the retention of ministers who have demonstrated strong performance, he believes the current leadership in the Ministry of Power is ineffective. “We need capable hands to address the problems that Nigerians face daily, especially in power,” VDM stated, emphasizing that Adelabu’s removal could signal a commitment to real change in the sector.
VDM’s criticism echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians who are fed up with the state of the country’s power sector. Despite efforts to privatize parts of the power industry and improve infrastructure, the results have been underwhelming. Ordinary citizens and businesses continue to suffer from unreliable power, with many forced to rely on costly alternatives such as generators.
As the reshuffle draws near, the president will face tough decisions about who to keep and who to replace in his cabinet. For the Ministry of Power, in particular, the stakes are high. The sector’s performance is crucial not only for the economic development of Nigeria but also for the daily well-being of its citizens. Poor electricity supply affects everything from industrial growth to healthcare delivery, education, and even security. Thus, it is no surprise that the call for new leadership in the Ministry of Power has garnered significant attention.
As President Tinubu prepares for his first cabinet reshuffle, calls for the removal of Chief Adebayo Adelabu as Minister of Power are intensifying. Prominent voices like VDM argue that the minister has failed to address the critical issues plaguing Nigeria’s power sector, particularly the unfair distribution of electricity across the country. Many Nigerians are hopeful that a reshuffle will bring in new leadership capable of delivering more equitable and reliable power services.
Whether or not the president heeds these calls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the expectations for improved governance, especially in sectors like power, are higher than ever. Nigerians are ready for leaders who can bring real change, and for many, that begins with reshuffling the cabinet and appointing individuals who can rise to the challenge.
He said: “If at all any minister must be removed or reshuffled, it should be the Minister of Power. They need to remove that guy.
“My reason is this, the segregation surrounding the Band A, Band B and Band C issues makes no sense. What is the reason for that segregation? Are you trying to say that poor people do not have access to light?
“Is it that the poor people are not supposed to use light for 24 hours? It makes no sense because we are all Nigerians.”
