Zungura Demands Adelabu’s Resignation Over Northern Nigeria’s Power Crisis

Dr. Sanusi Balarebe Durumin Zungura, the chairman of the “Mu Hadu Mu Gyara” group in Kano, has launched a fierce criticism against Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, over his recent comments on the challenges of repairing electricity infrastructure in northern Nigeria. Zungura, in a passionate response, accused the minister of showing blatant disregard for the northern region, which he argued constitutes half of the country. He went so far as to demand Adelabu’s immediate resignation for his failure to address the power crisis.

Speaking in a radio interview on GTR Hausa, Zungura voiced his disappointment with the minister’s claim that insecurity in the North was the primary obstacle to repairing a crucial transmission line. “The Minister of Power has no regard for the North,” Zungura stated, emphasizing that the federal government is responsible for both ensuring security and maintaining vital infrastructure. “If the minister cannot fix the electricity problems in the North, he should step down,” he added, his voice filled with frustration.

Power Crisis Hits the North: Minister’s Excuse or Reality?

Zungura criticized the minister’s justification, calling insecurity merely an excuse for deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s power sector. He argued that the failure to address power infrastructure—despite the government’s responsibility to ensure safety—has been severely damaging to businesses in the North. According to Zungura, the situation has reached a breaking point, as northern manufacturers are being forced to rely on gas-powered alternatives, a solution that he called “unrealistic.” He pointed out that this approach would lead to sky-high production costs and an overall increased cost of living, further crippling the region’s economy.

Zungura Calls for Northern Senators to Take Action Against Minister

Zungura didn’t stop at criticizing the minister. He urged northern senators to take a stand and hold Adelabu accountable, accusing him of neglecting the region’s power needs. “The minister has shown time and again that he does not care for our people,” Zungura stated. “It’s time for our representatives in the Senate to act decisively and remove him from office.” His words echoed the frustrations of many northern Nigerians who feel abandoned by the government’s failure to resolve basic infrastructural issues.

Minister Faces Growing Backlash Amid Power Grid Woes

This criticism comes after Adebayo Adelabu’s remarks during a Senate Committee on Power meeting in Abuja, where he defended the 2025 budget and admitted that the national electricity grid remains vulnerable to frequent collapses. Despite his acknowledgment that vandalism and unresolved transmission line repairs are major challenges, the minister promised efforts to reduce grid collapses and restore power more efficiently. However, this reassurance did little to quell the rising anger in northern Nigeria, where frequent grid failures have left businesses and homes struggling in darkness.

In 2024 alone, the national grid collapsed a staggering eight times, further amplifying the call for swift and effective action to resolve the electricity crisis.