The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, marking a significant political shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu announced that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to ensure a seamless transition in the ministry.
The former minister said the decision was taken with a sense of duty and appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
“I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
“This resignation will take effect from April 30, 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities,” he added.
Adelabu expressed appreciation to the President for the trust placed in him, describing his time in office as both impactful and fulfilling.
“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,” he noted.
He explained that his resignation was driven by his intention to fully commit to his long-standing governorship ambition in Oyo State.
“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu stated.
“This aspiration dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 to pursue the same goal,” he recalled.
The former minister further pointed to legal requirements guiding political participation by public office holders.
“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,” he said.
Adelabu’s exit is expected to reshape the political landscape in Oyo State, where he is widely seen as a major contender in the forthcoming governorship race.
Political observers note that his decision to step down early signals a strategic move to consolidate support and engage fully in grassroots mobilisation ahead of party primaries.
With his resignation, attention is expected to shift to the Presidency regarding the appointment of a successor to sustain ongoing reforms in the power sector.
