Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to pursue his long-standing ambition to govern Oyo State.
In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu said his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to allow for “a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
The resignation was routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, formally notifying the Presidency of his decision to exit the Federal Executive Council.
“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,” Adelabu stated in the letter.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, calling his appointment to the power ministry a privilege and “a rare honour.”
Adelabu noted that serving under Tinubu’s leadership allowed him to contribute to national development and play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector.
He described the power sector as “one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation,” highlighting the weight of the portfolio he is vacating.
The former minister said the decision to step down was driven by his intention to “focus fully” on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
According to him, the ambition dates back to 2016 while he served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a post he voluntarily left in 2018 to contest the Oyo governorship.
Adelabu cited the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bar political office holders from contesting elections, as the legal basis for his resignation.
“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 wrote.
His exit from the Federal Government is already reshaping political calculations in Oyo State ahead of the next electoral cycle, where he is expected to be a major contender.
Adelabu’s tenure as Power Minister saw renewed emphasis on sector reforms, though the ministry continues to face long-standing challenges of grid stability, gas supply, and distribution efficiency.
With an April 30 effective date, the Ministry of Power is expected to begin transition processes this week, as the Presidency considers a replacement to oversee the critical position.
The resignation marks Adelabu’s second major career pivot for the Oyo governorship race, underscoring what he described as a decade-long commitment to leading the state.
NOP NIGERIA
