ABUJA: Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu stated that his exit will take effect on April 30, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition in the ministry.
The letter, which was routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the nation.
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 April 30, 2026, to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities,” he wrote.
Adelabu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a privilege and an opportunity to contribute to national development.
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 added.
The former minister explained that his decision was driven by his intention to focus fully on his long-standing governorship ambition in Oyo State.
According to him, the move aligns with provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars political office holders from contesting elections while still in office.
Adelabu noted that his governorship aspiration dates back to 2016, during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a role he resigned from in 2018 to contest the same office.
My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” he stated.
His resignation is seen as a significant political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to be a major contender in the governorship race.
