The immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Wednesday formally submitted his resignation letter after exiting the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A photograph that surfaced shortly after his resignation showed Adelabu alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, jointly holding the resignation letter.
NOP NIGERIA understands that the image was taken after Adelabu visited the SGF’s office to formally submit the document.
The former minister stated that his resignation would take effect on April 30. Adelabu was appointed Minister of Power in August 2023 following his confirmation by the Senate.
Explaining his decision, Adelabu said he stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In the letter dated April 22, he said, “My decision to step down is guided by my desire to fully comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and to focus on my governorship aspiration in Oyo State.”
His Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, disclosed that Adelabu had earlier informed the President of his decision during a meeting on Tuesday.
According to him, the President gave his approval and blessing for the move.
In his resignation letter, Adelabu also proposed the creation of a coordinating minister for energy to drive reforms across the electricity and gas sectors.
He emphasised the need for stronger policy coordination.
He said, “Sustaining and consolidating the gains recorded in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level, including the appointment of a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.”
Earlier Silence On Ambition
At a press conference on March 24, Adelabu had declined to comment on his resignation or governorship ambition, stating he remained focused on addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
