Adelabu Resigns As Power Minister To Focus On Oyo Governorship Bid

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stepped down from his role to concentrate on his ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship election.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and will take effect from April 30, 2026. The letter was submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure a smooth transition process.

In the letter, Adelabu stated that he was leaving office with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude,” noting that the decision was necessary to allow for an orderly handover of responsibilities.

He expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege and highlighting his contributions to reforms in the power sector.

“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 wrote.

Adelabu explained that his decision was driven by his long-standing ambition to govern Oyo State, an aspiration he said dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He also recalled resigning from the apex bank in 2018 to pursue the same goal.

Citing legal requirements, he noted that his resignation aligns with the provisions of the amended electoral law.

“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.