Adelabu resigns as Power Minister to contest Oyo governorship election

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his ambition of becoming governor of Oyo State.

His resignation letter, dated April 22, 2026 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is scheduled to take effect from April 30, 2026, in order to allow for a smooth transition and handover process in the ministry.

The letter was submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with Adelabu describing his exit as one taken with “deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

In the correspondence, the former minister thanked the President for the opportunity to serve in the cabinet, noting that his tenure allowed him contribute to reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, which he described as central to the country’s economic transformation.

“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 said his decision was driven by his renewed political ambition in Oyo State, stressing that the governorship aspiration dates back to 2016 when he served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He added that he previously resigned from the Central Bank in 2018 to fully pursue the same political goal.

He also referenced provisions of the amended electoral law, stating that public office holders seeking elective positions are required to step aside from office.

“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 stated.

Adelabu’s exit marks another high-profile cabinet departure as political activities gradually build momentum ahead of the next election cycle.