Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to focus on his long-standing ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
In a formal letter dated April 22, 2026 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu stated that his resignation would take effect on April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth handover.
“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 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities,” the letter read.
Adelabu expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve. “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 wrote.
He highlighted his contributions to the power sector, describing it as “one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The minister explained that his decision was driven by his gubernatorial aspiration in Oyo State, an ambition he first pursued seriously in 2016 while serving as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, leading to his voluntary resignation from that role in 2018.
“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu stated. He added that the move aligned with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bar political office holders from contesting elections while in office.
