BREAKING: Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister, Declares Oyo Governorship Ambition
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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, signalling an early political realignment ahead of the next electoral cycle.
His resignation was formally communicated in a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ejes Gist News reports that the decision will take effect from April 30, 2026, allowing for what he described as a structured and orderly transition within the Ministry of Power.
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Resignation Letter and Transition Plan
In the correspondence routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Adelabu said he stepped down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude” for the opportunity to serve.
He stated that the delayed effective date was designed to ensure continuity in policy execution and administrative handover within the power sector.
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“I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities,” the letter read.
Appreciation to Tinubu Administration
Adelabu acknowledged the confidence reposed in him by President Tinubu, describing his ministerial appointment as a privilege to contribute to national development.
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He linked his tenure to ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector, which remains central to industrialisation and economic expansion.
“Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity,” he said.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
Governorship Ambition and Legal Compliance
The former minister confirmed that his resignation was primarily to enable him concentrate fully on his governorship bid in Oyo State.
He referenced provisions of the amended Electoral Act, which restrict serving political office holders from contesting elections while in office.
Adelabu noted that his governorship ambition dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a position he exited in 2018 to pursue the same objective.
“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” he stated.
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit from the cabinet introduces a significant variable in Oyo State’s political landscape, where early positioning by major contenders has intensified.
Key implications include:
- Early campaign mobilisation: His resignation provides latitude for statewide consultations and party engagement.
- Intra-party dynamics: Potential reshaping of alignments within the ruling party ahead of primaries.
- Policy continuity concerns: Leadership transition within the Ministry of Power during ongoing sector reforms.
The development also places renewed attention on federal cabinet stability, as political office holders with electoral ambitions weigh compliance with statutory requirements.
Background Profile
Adebayo Adelabu previously served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria before transitioning into partisan politics. His trajectory has been closely tied to Oyo State politics, where he has remained an active contender in governorship races.
His tenure as Minister of Power was marked by policy efforts aimed at addressing generation, transmission, and distribution inefficiencies within Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
Further official communication on succession within the Ministry of Power is expected from the Presidency in line with constitutional procedures governing ministerial appointments.
