By Chinedu Echianu
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his long-standing governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his exit would take effect from April 30, 2026, allowing for a seamless transition within the Ministry of Power. The letter was routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Describing his decision as one made with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude,” Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, noting that his appointment was both a privilege and a call to national duty.
He highlighted his efforts at driving reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, emphasizing its strategic importance to industrial growth and economic transformation.
The former minister said his resignation was in compliance with provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political appointees to step down before contesting elective positions. He added that the move would enable him to fully concentrate on his governorship bid in Oyo State.
Adelabu also recalled that his ambition to lead the state dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a position he left in 2018 to pursue the same goal.
His exit from the cabinet marks a significant political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, with expectations already building around what could shape up to be a keenly contested governorship race in Oyo State.
